Do you set goals for yourself?

Have you tried setting goals in the past but find that after a couple of weeks they become a forgotten thing?

Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, career success, or overall life satisfaction, goals help you express your desires and take steps to turn them into reality. But what is the best way to set a goal and how can you stick to it and keep it at the forefront of your mind?

Firstly, understand the importance and relevance of setting goals. These are some of the benefits that can be gained from having a clear path to what you want to achieve:

Clarity and Focus: Goals provide clarity about what you want to achieve. Without clear goals, you may feel aimless and lack direction.

Motivation: When you set clear, achievable goals, you are more likely to stay committed and take the necessary actions to reach them.

Personal Growth: It can push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to learn new skills, develop resilience, and overcome obstacles.

Accountability: Knowing that others are aware of your goals can motivate you to work harder to achieve them.

Long-Term Vision: Goals help you build a long-term vision for your life or career.

Happiness and Satisfaction: It gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can enhance your overall well-being.

So what is the best way to set a goal, what should it include?

If you set a goal for yourself it should follow the SMART acronym:

Specific – your goal needs to be specific. Be precise about what you want to achieve.

Measurable – it needs to have something in there that can be quantified/measured against

Achievable – Assess whether you have the necessary resources, time, and abilities to achieve it. Be honest about your limitations.

Relevant – Your goal should align with your overall objectives, values, and long-term plans. It should be relevant to your life and genuinely matter to you.

Time bound – Set a timescale to create a sense of urgency and keep you focused.

An example of a SMART goal could be: “I want to lose 15 pounds (measurable) in the next three months (time bound) by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet (achievable).” You could then break this down into how often you will exercise and what a balanced diet means (ie including more protein, cutting out highly processed foods).

SETTING GOALS FOR SUCCESS

You can set bigger, more long term goals but these can seem overwhelming so break them down into smaller more manageable process goals which will give you the steps needed to reach your overall goal. For example you may have 3 stone to lose so break this down into a smaller amount to lose in a shorter timescale and you are more likely to achieve it.

The word “goal” can sometimes feel heavy with a sense of pressure to achieve it. Try the word “intention” instead.

Display your goals somewhere prominent so that you can be reminded daily of what you are trying to achieve.

After setting a SMART goal, it’s important to regularly review your progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember that SMART goals can be used for a wide range of objectives, whether they are personal, professional, or related to any area of your life. They provide a structured framework to increase your chances of success.