Personal Goal Setting
Why does it sometimes seem like personal goal setting doesn't
work? One reason is that people sometimes simply wish for things,
situations or accomplishments. They call these goals, and then
are disappointed when they don't get them. This isn't effective
goal setting. Good goals have at least some of the following:
1. They're specific. "I want to be healthy" is just
too general. "I want to lose this gut and walk three times
a week," is better.
2. They're measurable. How many pounds will you lose? How
much money will you make? How will you know when your relationship
is better?
3. They're written down. There's power in writing down goals.
It makes them more real. This influences your subconscious mind,
especially if you review your goals regularly.
4. They're realistic. Even if it is possible to become an
astronaut, if you're 55, you better try for becoming a pilot
for now. Unrealistic goals just set you up for failure. That
said, don't let others tell you what's unrealistic for you.
5. They have definite deadlines. You'll have that new job
by when? Setting dates helps.
6. They're made into plans. Making goals into specific steps
makes there achievement more likely. It isn't so overwhelming
to take one step at a time.
7. They're well-motivated. Having a goal for the right reason
is a good start, and you should also learn how to re-motivate
yourself, and reward yourself when you make progress.
8. They take into account personal factors. Can you get what
you want if you feel like you don't deserve it? Well, maybe,
but good goal setting considers personal changes that are necessary
or useful.
9. They're followed by action. An important key to motivation
and to getting where you want to be is to start with any movement
towards the goal. Action begets action. Start slow if necessary,
but start.
10. They're not written in stone. Goals naturally evolve,
as new information becomes available. Why become a doctor once
you learn that you like doing lab work better?
The last one can be a tough one. An excuse isn't the same
thing as a change of course, but to know the difference requires
a certain level of self-awareness. Start developing that, apply
these keys to personal goal setting, and you'll get to where
you want to be.
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