How to Write Goal Statements

Take time to visualize yourself achieving the goals you've written in your goal statements.

Writing a goal statement is an important step toward achieving your goals. All goal statements should be positive and motivational so you want to work toward achieving that goal. You can write several at one time and work toward all of them, or write one at a time so you can focus on one area of your life.

Instructions

1. Begin each goal statement with "I." This makes the statement personal and suggests that you own the goal. It is important to emphasize yourself within the goal so you take responsibility for achieving it.

2. Write each goal statement in the present tense. Instead of writing "I will lose 10 pounds," write "I am at my perfect weight and feel healthy and energetic." Every time you read a goal that is in the present tense, it is as though you have already achieved the goal. A goal that is in the future sometime seems less urgent and can be less motivational.

3. Write very specific goals. If you want to save a certain amount of money, write down the exact amount and give yourself a deadline. The same goes for losing weight or improving your relationships. Having a specific idea about what you want makes it easier to achieve because you can picture the specific results.

4. Include why the goal is important to you and what your life will be like if you achieve it. In the case of weight loss, write very specifically about the benefits to your health, how you will look, the energy you will have and the clothing you will be able to wear.

5. Break down each goal into smaller goals and daily steps. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds, then break this down into losing one to two pounds per week, exercising every day, drinking water every day and eating only healthy foods. This will give specific ways of achieving your goal as well as guidelines to follow each day. Taking these minor steps all the time will help you achieve your larger goals.

6. Read your goals every day or, even better, write them down each day. This keeps your goals in your mind all the time. Visualize yourself having achieved your goal in detail. If you want to lose 10 pounds, visualize your body at that weight. This keeps the goal real and relevant every day.

References

• Erupting Mind: Personal Goal and Goal Statement Examples
• Stephen Covey: How to Set Personal Goals
• Smart Goals Guide: 15 Examples of Smart Goals to Learn From