How to Set A Goal and Achieve It
A beautiful thing about goals is their variety. One person may have the goal of learning romance languages while another person's goal might be studying silverback gorillas in the Congo. Other goals are less lofty, such as quitting drinking coffee or raising $500 for a fundraiser. Whatever the ambition, you can use similar methods for achieving any goal.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Commit to writing your goals on paper. Robin Ryan writes in the book, "Soaring on your Strengths." that written goals are achieved 20 percent faster than goals that are not inked on paper. Keep a goal-setting journal or create a separate folder on your computer.
-
2
Pinpoint your passions and determine goals associated with these ambitions. For instance, if you love cooking, then set a short-term goal to make dinner three times a week using a new recipe. Include a long-term ambition such as attending a cooking session in Tuscany, Italy. Assess which goals you wish to achieve in three months, six months, a year, five years and in your lifetime. Categorize your goals into different categories including personal, professional and health.
-
-
3
Develop tangible steps necessary to achieve each goal on the list. Proceed in chronological order when listing steps. Give yourself an expected time frame on each of the tasks and begin programming these steps on a calendar or personal planner.
-
4
Outline financial and any other resources necessary to complete the task. For example, the goal of learning a new language requires tuition for school, language books or computer software. Note next to each item how you plan on get it. Seek the help of friends, mentors and family members: They may have the items you require. Terri Levine, author of "Coaching is for Everyone," suggests taking stock of your skill set when determining necessary resources as well. Assess what steps you must take to gain the know-how for the goal, be it education credentials, certification or life experience.
-
5
Verify your goals are realistic and ask for feedback from others. Ask others who have achieved the goal for insight on how to accomplish the same. Such insight may help you determine if you have missed any critical steps.
-
6
Set appointments to review your goals periodically. Assess if you have achieved the intended short-term goals and revise your long-term goals as needed. Give yourself permission to change goals if your interests and passions change. Lawrence Gitman, author of "The Future of Business" explains that goal-setters should stay flexible, as this allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and capitalize on new opportunities.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For professional goals, ask expert who works in the position you desire to shadow them for a short period of time. This experience may help you realize that the job is not what you expected.
