Goal Setting Made Easy
The main reason we set goals for ourselves is to inspire achievement within a time frame, rather than “one day”. When we set a goal, we put our desires that we hold within us, into an ordered thought, that takes physical form via writing it or saying it out loud.
In order to set goals, there are a few rules to work with to maximize your ability to succeed in achieving these goals.
Firstly, the goal needs to be an “I” statement. This can be difficult for someone who is always there for others’ needs. You cannot make goals for others. You can only set goals for yourself, so start with an “I” statement such as “I will have …” or “I will achieve …”
Secondly, you need to give yourself a timeframe. It doesn’t matter if you don’t meet the timeframe, just that you set yourself an end date. This helps you move closer to the goal. If you think about a goal in terms of “one day” or “later” you will be waiting for that “one day” every day. Now your goal statement looks like “on DD/MM/YYYY I will have…”.
Pick a timeframe that works for you, an anniversary date, an interesting set of numbers that you like, or simply pick the date 3 months, 6 months, a year from now that gives you a timeframe to aim for.
Thirdly, the goal needs to be achievable or realistic. It doesn’t mean it is not a stretch for you to achieve, but it is also not impossible. As an example, if you have mobility issues, running a marathon may not be an achievable goal for you. However, participating in a marathon is possible. Be aware of the language you use to create the goal so that it is possible. Remember you are setting these goals in order to achieve them, so when you first start, take it easy on yourself. If you want to climb Mt Everest, start with a few smaller goals in a timeframe that is achievable, then work up to bigger, more challenging goals.
If we take climbing Mt Everest as an example of the goal you wish to set, here are the type of goals you could use to reach the ultimate goal.
By 5th July 2015, I will have participated in a 3 hour fun run.
By 23rd September 2015, I will have finished 3 marathon runs of a minimum of 25 miles each.
By 14th March 2016, I will have successfully climbed 3 mountains (insert names – be as specific as you can).
On 18th October 2017, I will climb Mt Everest to the first base camp.
Within each of these goals, there can be smaller goals, such as training hours or distances you wish to achieve each month as you build towards the completion of the bigger goal.
After all, you aren’t going to achieve the first goal, the 3 hour fun run, if you don’t train for it.
“I want to learn to fly like a dragon” is a wish, not a goal, despite how much we might want it.
You can alter the details, but with these samples, you should now be starting to see how the goal needs to be in simple language, be about you, have an end date and be achievable.
Practice with goals you know you will achieve, such as “On Christmas day this year, I will make a 3 course meal for my family”. Of course you can achieve this, but as you practice achieving your goals, it will become instinctive and easy for you to construct a goal that stretches you.
If you are the type who likes to write things down, write each goal on a separate card and place them around your house on the refrigerator door; on the mirror you use every morning; attached to your computer screen. Refresh your intentions by reading the goal, say it out loud if you need to and visualize celebrating your success when you see it achieved.
Celebration is a key cornerstone of the goal setting success story. Take the time to reward yourself for being you, especially when you achieve a goal. It could be as simple as a cookie or a glass of wine. It could be taking yourself out to an expensive restaurant or a pamper session.
Take the time to reward yourself for being an achiever, for reaching your goals, for choosing every day to work towards that goal.
