The Process of Goal Setting

Goal setting is important to implement change in an area of your life. From finances to health, goal setting can help people make changes faster and, in some cases, can even increase the chances that the goal is successful. Simply put, those who make actionable goals, and put forth the effort to make them happen, are far more likely to achieve the goals than those who just arbitrarily claim that a change will be made.

Define the "Want"

Define what you want to achieve, change or obtain. At this stage, focus on the want and be as specific as possible. For example, do you want to achieve a promotion, change your weight or obtain a new car.

Determine if the Goal is Actionable

Decide if the "want" is actionable. For example, you may "want" to buy a car, but the goal may not be actionable in the near future. Write down possible actions that can be taken to achieve the goal and be as specific as possible.

Conflict With Other Goals?

Verify that other areas of your life do not conflict with the goal you want to set. For example, you may "want" to save a certain percentage of your earned income, but doing so would conflict with a goal to buy a new car, as spending conflicts with saving.

Write the Goal as an Affirmative Statement

Write the end result that you want to achieve. For example, "I will buy a new car in six weeks paying in cash for the full amount."

Write How the Goal Will Be Achieved

Write a step-by-step actionable plan for how the goal will be achieved. For example, "I will work 60 hours each week for the next four weeks to earn the $11,000 needed to buy a Brand X car."

Write the Start Date or Time Frame

Write out the goal listing the start date; you may also include a time frame, if necessary. For example, "Lose 40 pounds by July 15," or "Exercise for 30 minutes daily starting Aug. 1," or "Work out daily for two hours from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15."

References

• Top Achievement.com
• Why Is Goal Setting So Important