Why is goal setting important?
Goal setting for success is one of the best ways to stay accountable to your future. Once you’ve created an action plan of sorts that includes long and short term goals, you’ll be able to focus, measure your progress, and stay motivated and undistracted. In terms of goal-setting methods, the SMART goal framework is very useful and incredibly popular! So, maybe try that method if you’re unsure of where to start.
SMART goals
The SMART framework is used to help guide people in setting their goals. It consists of 5 different elements that help you to create good, realistic goals for yourself. So, be sure to read about each element below before starting your goal setting plan!
Specific
The first element is specific. It’s very important that your goal is specific and clear so that you can form a detailed plan on how to achieve it. When creating your specific goal, try to answer the 5 W questions: who, when, where, what and why. Being able to answer these questions means your goal is likely specific enough!
Measurable
Next up is the M part of the acronym. You want to create a goal that is measurable in order to stay on top of your progress. The goal you create should be able to answer questions such as “how much, how many and how will I know when it’s accomplished?” Having a goal where it’s easy to create deadlines and see progress is more likely to keep you on the path to goal success.
Attainable
Also, you need to choose a goal that is actually achievable within your constraints! While it’s important to challenge yourself, don’t choose a goal that’s near impossible. When thinking of an attainable goal, remember to consider how you’d achieve this goal and how realistic is the goal based on certain factors or constraints.
Relevant
The R in the SMART acronym represents relevant goals. You want to make sure that your goal matters to you and is somehow relevant to something you’re trying to achieve. When considering your goal, make sure you pick something relevant to your current work and that is achievable in the current time period. Considering these factors will help you choose a more achievable goal that will provide you with some benefits in the end.
Timebound
Finally, the last step is to make sure that your goal is timebound. A goal with a deadline is key, because without one you may start procrastinating. So choose a date or month for when you want to achieve your goal. Also, you should think about what you can be doing for your goal immediately, next month, within 6 months and so on. Having a timebound goal will help you stay on track and lead you towards the finish line!
Goal setting for success is time-consuming and can be hard. But, once you have a well thought out plan, you should be much more prepared and motivated to get started. This has been proven by scientists in the American Psychological Association. While goal setting, be sure to take advantage of all the resources you can, such as apps to help you stay on track with tasks!
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