Goals 101: A quick overview
Understanding Goals
Goals are dreams that we put into action. Part of us always wants that dream accomplished. No matter what, the dream lingers.
Then we begin this proces of goal setting. We write the dream down the first time, and then declare it a solid goal. This year I'll get it done. Then time passes and we forget our goals as daily life gets in the way. We reset our goals and work a little harder to insure success.
Hard work entails and that goal is accomplished. Sacrifices along the way make it special. We then look out and declare the goal was a success. Congratulations!
Setting Goals
There is a strong internal drive in most people to set goals and strive to accomplish them. We all have that drive to be more; that inner battle that keeps us moving forward in life. Sometimes we are forced by a job to set goals. Sometimes they are assigned such as sales goals or a job review. Some of these goal begin in conflict and are completly unattainable. This type of goals will seldom be accomplished.
To set goals properly, you must capture your dreams and ideas so that you can carefully evaluate which ones are most important to you. By doing this evaluation, your ability to acheive your goals will increase drastically. Understanding the "Why" behind every goal is paramount to the success in "reaching your goals".
During Pathways: Beginnings, we explore a process that you can use to capture your dreams and goals. We'll get them down on paper and the assess the "Why" behind every one. Then we start identifying the action steps to accomplish these goals.
Goals vs. Values
Since we defined a goal above as "a dream that we put into action", let's explore how goals and values must align to insure that we reduce or eliminate any internal or emotional conflict.
A value defines you. They are the set of standards that you live by. One of mine is honesty. Another might be responsibility.
A clear understanding of your top values is also important to goal setting. Keep them clear so you can sett effective goals for your self.
The S.M.A.R.T. Test
This is old as the hills but still effective today. If you set a goal that can not pass the smart test, then relook at it. They must pass this test.
S=Specific
Specific goals should read like this: I want to loose 50 lbs. by December, 2010. A non-specific goal would read: I want to loose some weight.
M=Measurable
As above: 50 lbs. by December 2010
A=Attainable
Is it real? 50 lbs. in 1 year is 1 lb per week. Is that attainable? Yes.
If the goal was 50 lbs. in 3 months, the goal might not be attainable.
R=Realistic
If your goal is to make $250,000 in 2010 and you make $20,000 now, the goal may not be realistic unless other things are in play. The idea here is that you should make all of your goals a stretch and realistic.
T=Timely
Specific time frames are paramount to good goal setting. Make sure that you set a timeframe in which you will attain your goal.
The Action Plan
You must take action on your dreams!
No goal has a chance if there is not an action plan for the goal. This action plan is the steps that will take each and everyday to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself.
The need for defined action steps insures that every step you begin to take is deliberate. Deliberate actions yield strong results. Embrace this part of the goal process.
Find things each and everyday that will move you one step closer to reaching your goals. Create a pattern of success in the actions.