10 Tips For Setting Worthwhile Goals
The key to setting and achieving a goal is, simply, figuring out where you want to end up. But articulating a specific, achievable goal is not so simple a task. Whether it’s a business objective or a personal one, you need to be able to write down what the goal is and the steps you need to take in order to get there. In other words, you need a road map. Here’s how to create one:
- You’ll need five sheets of paper. On the first sheet, write down what you would like to achieve in your life, now and through the decades. Brainstorm ideas, keeping “the big picture” in mind. These are your long-term goals. Remember, that to set goals that are unattainable will only result in frustration. So try to set goals that are challenging and motivating but not unrealistic.
- On the second sheet of paper write down your personal goals for the next year. This is your short-term list. Consider things like family, personal growth, career, spiritual and financial goals. Develop emotional reasons why you want to attain these goals.
- Next, compare the two sheets of paper. Your short-term goals should help you in some way attain your long-term goals. If not, you should re-evaluate your short-term goals. Also, cross out any goals that you are not willing to pay the price to achieve. There is no point in having a goal that you are not willing to make happen through sacrifice or hard work.
- On the third sheet of paper write down the job goals that you would like to achieve in the next 12 months.
- Now compare these short-term work goals with your short-term personal goals. Note any work and personal goals that overlap because you will be most effective in achieving those goals that blend personal and work objectives.
- Review each of the three lists, picking one goal from each list that is most important to you. Write these three goals on a fourth sheet of paper. Under each objective, list the activities you must do to attain the goal.
- On the fifth sheet of paper, list the activities you must do tomorrow to move you toward each of your three most important goals. This is your “To Do List.” Write a new “To Do List” every day or week as you complete the small tasks.
- Establish a system for measuring your progress. For example, you might try creating a time line or matrix chart so that you can visually monitor how much you have accomplished and how far you have to go.
- Continue to look for ways to blend your personal and professional goals. This is where you will be the most motivated.
- Finally, remember that success is defined by the realization of a worthwhile goal. So if you’re moving forward toward attainment, even if you’re not there yet, you are successful.
