Setting goals in a reasonable and systematic way provides empowerment to achieve lofty aspirations. For setting new and challenging goals, it is important that old habits are changed and preparation is instilled. This relates having inherent accountability and responsibility in the goal setting system, and to developing a framework for directing goals. In other words, for continued motivation, "waypower" and "willpower" both need to be present for goal attainment. Both resources or connections, and personal fortitude, are essential to goal attainment.
It is easy to fall into a trap of limiting thoughts that make goals seem unattainable and risky. Therefore, a major part of extraordinary goal setting is identifying obstacles to achieving the goals. This eliminates many set-backs that could turn into excuses and end up getting in the way of reaching a goal. If obstacles are recognized ahead of time, these barriers can be prepared for and dealt with.
SMART Goals
The acronym SMART provides guidelines for setting and reaching goals.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Action-Oriented
- Realistic
- Time Bound
Specific: This provides focus on what exactly one is trying to achieve and the steps needed to reach this goal. The more specific the better, as it is easier to set-up the steps to achieve this goal. Action steps provide specific intermediary goals and set-up the exact achievement desired. For instance, "I want to be a writer," is a goal, though not specific enough to elicit the necessary steps and process. "I want to be a writer for Suite101" provides more direction.
Many times goals in one domain, such as the professional sphere, impact other life domains, such as family or relationships. Focus on how goals impact each other and be specific on what is wanted. It can be easy to want many things which convolute the process of obtaining goals.
Measurable: Making goals measurable provides the reinforcement that the goal is being met. Setting measurable objectives to be reached along the way to the main goal provides feedback on progress and reveals when it is time to move on or alter the plan in place. This follows in sequence with making a goal specific. Once a specific goal is established, organize the measurable steps to begin making noticeable progress. Knowing progress is being made is essential to maintaining willpower.
Action-oriented: Goals that are action-oriented are focused on what can be done to achieve them. Examining what resources are available to get the goal in motion; this is the idea of "waypower." Goals that are action-oriented prevent getting in a rut from engaging in trivial activities, and keeps enthusiasm and motivation higher. This provides the means to continue making measurable progress.
Realistic: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and though people should not limit themselves, it is important that goals are realistic. Goals need to be practical in order to prevent discouragement from a lack in progress that can occur from quixotic goals.
This relates to the size of the goal, such as what is the maximum goal wanted and what is the minimum goal wanted? Not everyone will have the natural endowments to play professional basketball. Though this does not mean that working as hard as possible to be the best basketball player is a futile effort; "Muggsy" Bogues played in the NBA at the height of 5'3". In general though, realistic goals keep motivation high as people continue to see results.
Time Bound: Setting deadlines provides accountability to achieve a goal. It is much too easy to procrastinate and find excuses when no specific time frame is delegated. What is a realistic final date to have a goal accomplished? If this date is not reasonable then go back through some of the previous notions mentioned, and set a more realistic date or a smaller preliminary step to reach a more long-term goal.
Find objectives and action steps that can be accomplished in 30-90 days and lead to visible progress for a goal. This is at least how long it takes to change an ingrained habit in thinking and behaving, and it is also a good time-frame for staying engaged and making measurements of progress on a consistent schedule.
Aligning Goals with Values
In the end, goals have to be personal and fit with a person's values and convictions. This means goals should be in line with a life-plan or long-term vision. Similarly, goals should be something that a person truly wants. Is there passion and commitment for this goal? Does the goal fit a current lifestyle? In this way goals become something to be proud of. They can provide growth and personal insight, and most importantly, following goals that coincide with a value system make the journey and process that much more enjoyable.
References
Snyder, C. R. (1994). The psychology of hope: You can get there from here. New York: Free Press.
Joseph Wilner - Joe Wilner is a Certified Coach Practitioner (CCP) that provides guidance and coaching for achieving academic and professional goals. He ...
