Overview:

Goal setting is an important tool for defining and achieving objectives. Goals can be personal, professional, or academic. Goal setting can provide focus, motivation and direction.

Discussion:

By following the basics of goal setting, you can increase your chances of success. 

The 8 basics of goal setting are listed below.

1. Specific: Goals should be clear and well-defined. Use specific language to communicate what you want to achieve. Write down your goals. This will help you be clear on your intentions. It will serve as a reminder of what you want to have happen. Keep these written goals in a visible place where you will be reminded regularly of what you want to accomplish.

2. Measurable: Effective goals are measurable. At any point you know where you are in relation to achieving the goal. This allows you to efficiently track your progress. 

3. Achievable: Goals need to be realistic and reachable. It’s good to aim high, but setting goals that are too lofty can lead to frustration and disappointment. Consider all of the things that can get in the way of you achieving your goals. What are your resources, tools, capabilities and any possible limitations?  It is imperative to be adaptable and open to making adjustments to your goals as circumstances change. The unexpected events in life can derail us if we are too rigid with our goals. Being willing to modify goals as needed will lead to great success overall.

4. Relevant: Goals need to be in line with your values, priorities and long-term objectives. They should be meaningful and relevant to your life. Avoid setting goals that other people have because you think that they should be your goals, as well. Using other people’s successes as motivation is great, but you should not fall into the trap of trying to do the exact same thing, in the exact same way, as that may not be a good fit with your life.

5. Timeline: An actionable goal should have a deadline or timeframe to help you stay focused and organized. These are the goals that you will “do.” Goals that you will reach (pounds lost, sizes changed, inches decreased, etc.) should not have a timeline. That can make us frustrated. We have control over our behaviors, but we don’t have control over the specific day and time that we will have these outcomes.

6. Action-Oriented: Goals cannot be achieved by just writing them down. You need to take action. Breaking them down into small bite-sized pieces can help you create an efficient action plan. Take constant action and monitor your progress regularly. 

7. Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive mindset is essential to reaching your goals. Believing in your ability to achieve them helps you stay motivated, even when you experience bumps in the road. Helpful self-talk and visualization techniques can help with staying motivated. 

8. Accountability: Hold yourself accountable to your goals. Share your goals with a close friend, mentor, coach or someone else who can give you support and encouragement and can hold you accountable to your progress. Take time to review and evaluate your progress regularly so you can make the necessary adjustments as needed.

Action Steps:

1. What is a goal you would like to accomplish? Why is it important? What is the desired outcome?

2. How will you measure your progress? How will you know when you have reached your goal(s)?

3. How do you know it's achievable? Is this goal realistic given your current circumstances? What will you do if you need to change directions? What will you say to yourself to make sure you are not derailed by circumstances outside of your control?

4. What makes it relevant to you? Is this goal in line with your values and long term objectives? Is it worth your time and effort?

5. What’s your timeline?

6. What are some actions you will take?

7. How will you remain positive? What helpful things will you say to yourself when you are feeling less than positive about the journey? How will you remember to say these things to yourself?

8. Who would be a good accountability partner?

9. When will you take time for self-reflection and self-evaluation?