A Formal Approach to Goal Setting
Setting achievable goals is just as important as knowing how to reach them. With perseverance, a positive outlook and a little help from your friends, you can shoot for the stars -- and reach them.
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Work Backwards
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Whether your goal has a target date of five years or five weeks, work from the future backwards.
For example, if you plan to purchase your first home by 2020, write down the maximum purchase price, the amount needed toward the down-payment, and any funds needed for repairs or renovations.
If you rewind another five years prior to that date, you would detail the steps you would take to improve your credit rating.
Work backwards until you reach one month from today's date. Then, the steps you need to take to reach your long-term goals will be a lot clearer.
Know What Motivates You
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Using the example of a future homeowner, if you are motivated by doing something that moves toward your future goals, attend "do it yourself" workshops on performing general home repairs.
You can also start setting smaller goals, such as clearing out the hallway closet or taking a course on budgeting, to allow yourself small victories as you work toward your larger goals.
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Be Held Accountable
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Share your goals with a trusted friend or colleague, along with the target date for each milestone. Make sure the friend or colleague is someone who will hold you accountable for not meeting your goals, and pay them a fine (such as helping clean out their basement) if you fall short of your goals.
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References
- Photo Credit Year planning image by Stefano Maccari from Fotolia.com
