The Guide To Goal Setting
Come January 1st, resolutions suddenly get real popular
. Unfortunately, their good standing is usually short lived. By February, many neglected resolutions are collecting dust in the back of the closet along with the vinyl record collection and those skinny jeans that you WILL fit into again.
Talk of setting goals often elicits eye rolling, but goals can actually be incredibly powerful and motivating tools that help you achieve positive change in your life. Utilizing the power of goal setting requires a refreshed view on how to set and achieve realistic goals.
Step one in this process is to block out some time on your calendar, sit down with a warm mug of tea or a glass of wine and honestly consider what you want to achieve in your life. Write down every goal you'd like to accomplish. Don't worry about scope or plausibility just yet. Write down anything that comes to mind any daydream, or half-forgotten childhood fantasy. This process should be fun and easy, and at the end, you'll probably have a long and messy list.
Next, carefully consider each item on the list and begin to consolidate. Cross off those ideas or goals that don't spark a fire inside of you. Too many goals can dilute your time, commitment and motivation. Paring your list down to twenty small to moderate goals or twenty key actions or less is generally a doable workload for a year.
Your list now only contains those goals which are the most important to you. Reading over each one may be daunting. Some of your goals may seem impossible or too big for you to ever achieve. The intimidation you feel is one reason why so many goals end up forgotten in the back of the closet. Running a marathon is a worthy and exciting goal and is also a handy metaphor for achieving a long-term goal. The distance and effort involved seems so daunting that it's easier just not to try at all.
The key to taking on a big goal is to break it into smaller units that build up toward completion. A marathon is made up of 26.2 miles. Rather than worrying about how to run that full distance especially if a stroll around the block leaves you winded focus first on running a single mile. When you've learned to run that first mile, add on another mile and then another. What once looked impossible was merely a collection of many small steps, each one entirely doable.
Setting deadlines is an extremely helpful strategy for achieving goals. Carefully consider the goals on your list and determine how much time each will require to accomplish. Be honest with the amount of time you can direct toward each goal and give yourself a cushion for minor setbacks or unforeseen circumstances. Assign a completion date to each goal and write it down in big letters on your calendar (stickers, stars and colorful markers are encouraged). If possible, tie your goal to a larger event or occurrence. If your goal is to run a marathon, sign yourself up for a race that takes place around your deadline.
A couple of additional notes:
To maintain motivation, keep your goals in sight. Put them on the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, the ceiling of your bedroom, or incorporate them into the wallpaper of your computer desktop. Seeing the words written each day will keep them top of mind, and help you acknowledge and internalize the goal. Use pictures too.
Check your progress regularly, whether it's at the end of each week or the end of each month. Having weekly and monthly goals will give you the satisfaction of checking off accomplishments on a regular basis. You'll get to see real progress day by day, which can be very fulfilling, especially if you are working on a long-term goal.
Gather support. Tell your family and friends about your goals and ask. There's nothing like being answerable to your mother or your children or your best friend to keep that motivation high. It also makes success that much sweeter when you can share it with those whom you care about.
Lastly, consider purchasing the Launch Your Life Workbook, a helpful guide to setting and achieving your goals. Life Coach Sara Clark-Williams crafted the workbook specifically for smart, amazing women who are ready to change their lives. The LYL Workbook incorporates the techniques detailed in this article and expands upon them to offer readers a comprehensive guide to life success.
For more information about the workbook or to learn more about Sara's coaching services, visit
http://www.LYLCoach.comThe Guide To Goal Setting
By: Sara Clark-Williams
Quantum Goal Setting Leeps Ways To Start Goal Setting Avoid Making These Catastrophic Goal Setting Mistakes 4 Steps to Creating a Devastating Goal Setting Plan Goal Setting Principles Goal Setting Worksheet Successful Goal Setting in 7 Easy Steps Realistic Goal Setting Smart Goal Setting - Set Goals And Achieve Success Do You Know What to Do When Your Goal Setting Fails? Are You Making These 4 Goal Setting Mistakes? How to Develop Your Own Goal Setting Program The Smart Goal Setting System