Ways to Set Goals and Achieve them

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 25 January 2021
Update Date: 29 June 2024
Anonim
How to Set Goals - Goal Setting and Achieving
Video: How to Set Goals - Goal Setting and Achieving

Content

There is nothing better than setting goals and achieving them. Just like when an athlete experiences the feeling of “runner's high” after a race, accomplishing your goals will also give you a sense of excitement and pride. The following article will provide you with a number of ways to set goals and pursue them. The goal cannot be accomplished by itself. You need to have a clear plan. Begin. Try. Complete aspirations.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Goal Building

  1. Decide what you really want to achieve. Don't worry about what other people want. Set your own goals. Research has shown that when your goals are meaningful to you, you are more likely to achieve them.
    • Often this is the most difficult part of the goal setting and accomplishing process. What do you want? The answer is often a combination of inner and outer motivation. Sayings like "be honest with yourself" will often conflict with family and work duties. Find a goal that can balance your life - one that will help you feel happy and benefit those you love and those who depend on you.
    • Consider asking yourself some questions such as: "What do I want to bring to my family / community / the world?" or "What kind of person do I want to be?" These questions can help you navigate.
    • At this stage, it's okay if your idea is pretty general. You will narrow them down later.

  2. Make a list of priorities. Once you have an idea of ​​what you really want to achieve, you will need to make a priority list for these areas. Trying to improve all areas of your life at once can make you feel overwhelmed and unable to accomplish any goals.
    • Divide your goal into three parts: your first goal, your second goal, and your third goal. The first goal is the most important, goals that come to you most naturally. The second and third goals are less important than the first and they tend to be more specific and restrictive.
    • For example, the first goal might be "improving health" or "spending more time with family". The second goal is "to keep my bedroom tidy, learn to surf" and the third goal is to "learn to knit and wash more often".

  3. Put Detail goal. Be clear and realistic about what you want to achieve. Research has shown that setting specific goals makes you more likely to achieve them and can even make you feel happier. Be as specific and clear as possible and remember that you will need to break your goals down into smaller goals.
    • Ask yourself a few questions about your goals. You need what to achieve them? You need Who support you? Each stage of your goal needs to be fulfilled when?
    • For example, "becoming healthier" is an overly general and vague goal. “Having a healthy diet and exercising more” is more specific, but not detailed and clear.
    • “Eat 3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and exercise 3 times a week” is a specific and clear goal that makes it easier to complete.
    • You also need to develop a plan how you will achieve these goals. For example, to reach your goal of eating fruits and vegetables, do you bring these foods with you to work? Would you choose a bowl of fruit instead of chips the next time you go out? With exercise, you will work out at the gym or walk in the neighborhood. Think about the specific actions you need to take to “contribute” to your overall goal.
    • If your goal is divided into phases, when do each of them need to be fulfilled? For example, if you were doing marathon training, would you need to know how much time each of those training periods will take?

  4. Reality. Setting specific and clear goals like “Buying a three bedroom apartment in the city center” won't help you if your budget is just enough to buy “a small suburban apartment”. Keep your goals close to reality. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have ambitious goals, but you have to know exactly what you need to do to achieve it.
    • For example, if your ultimate goal is to buy a really big house, then you will need to set a lot of smaller goals to accomplish it. You will need to save money, open credit, even improve your income. Write all of those sub-goals with the steps you need to take.
  5. Write your goals. Be detailed, clear and include deadlines. Writing down your goals will help you feel more real. Keep your list in place you can see it often. This will help you stay motivated.
    • Use positive language. You are more likely to reach your goals if they are written in positive terms, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables" instead of "Stop eating junk food."
  6. Make sure your goals are measurable. How do you know when you will accomplish a goal? If your goal is to move into a new home, you will know that based on when you sign the lease or the title. There are many other goals that cannot be easily measured. If your goal is to sing better, then how will you know if you have achieved it? Instead, set measurable goals.
    • For example, you can remember and "perfectly" perform a song. Learn to play an instrument while singing. Get a high note. Measurable goals help you feel satisfied after you are accomplished.
    • Think of ways to achieve your goal. Are there many different ways to achieve your goal? Write all the ways you can think of in three minutes, no matter how dumb and hard to do. If your goal is to get in shape, you might try fitness, eating healthy, adjusting your daily schedule to incorporate more walking, cycling to work, and cooking by yourself. instead of eating fast food or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The road to your destination is not one. Which directions can you choose?
  7. Keep your goals close to things friend can do it. Remember that you can only control your actions, not those of others. "Becoming a rock star" is not really a viable goal because it depends on the actions and reactions of others, which you cannot control. However, "forming bands and practicing to become great musicians" is a goal you can achieve based on your efforts.
    • Focusing on your actions will also help you cope with difficult situations as you will understand that you cannot control the obstacles you may encounter.
    • Remember that goals can also be processes. For example, the goal of "becoming a member of the Party Central Committee" depends a lot on the actions of others, which you cannot control. If you do not become a member of the Central Committee of the Party, you will often tend to view that goal as a failure even if you do your best. “Running for public office” is a goal that you can consider accomplished, even if you did not win, because you did the whole process with the best of your ability.
  8. Make a realistic plan. Your deadline does not have to be precise, but it should be reasonable. It should be realistic, based on your goals. If you are a part-time employee with a minimum wage, don't set a goal to make a billion by the end of the year.
    • Set a deadline. We all often delay action. It's almost a human nature, but as the deadline approaches, you will work harder to accomplish your goals. Think about when you were in school. When you are about to take the test, you know you need to learn and you have really worked hard. It is the same with setting goals.
    • Remember that some goals take longer to complete than other goals. "Eating more fruits and vegetables" can be achieved very quickly. But "Having a good body" will take more time and effort. So, set the time frame accordingly.
    • Consider external deadlines and timeframes. For example, if your goal is “Finding a new job”, make sure that you include deadlines for applications that employers set.
    • Establish a reward system. People often respond enthusiastically to reward systems. Whenever you accomplish a portion of your goal, no matter how small, reward yourself. For example, if your goal is to practice your music more frequently, you could reward yourself with a 30-minute break to read manga or watch your favorite TV show after finishing work. practice every day.
    • Don't punish yourself if you don't achieve your goal. Punishing or blaming yourself for not accomplishing something can actually prevent you from achieving success.
  9. Identify possible obstacles. Nobody really wants to think what mistakes can go wrong while planning to achieve success. However, identifying potential obstacles and how you will address them is essential to achieving your goal. If you don't, you won't have a coping strategy when you get stuck.
    • The obstacle can be an external factor. For example, if your goal is to open a car repair shop, you probably won't have enough money to buy the store at first. If your goal is to open a bakery, you probably won't have as much time with your family as you want.
    • Determine the actions you will take to overcome these challenges. For example, you could apply for a loan, write a business plan to attract investment, or do a business with a friend.
    • Obstacles can also be an internal factor. For example, lack of information becomes a major problem, especially for complex goals. Feelings of fear or uncertainty can also be a problem.
    • Actions you can take to deal with a lot of information include reading a variety of relevant materials, seeking advice from an experienced counselor, practicing or taking classes.
    • Accept your shortcomings. For example, if your difficulty is that you do not have enough time to focus on business and with your family as you would like, you may have no way to deal with it. However, you can talk to your family to let them know that it is only temporary.
  10. Tell people about your goals. Some people feel shy about letting others know about their life goals. They fear that if they fail, they will be laughed at. Don't look at things that way. Think of it as allowing yourself to make mistakes, otherwise you won't be able to connect with people and grow up. Others can help you achieve your goals, provide material support or simply give you the support you need mentally.
    • Others may not respond as warmly to your goals as you would like them to be. What is important to you may not be important to others. Understand the difference between a constructive feedback and a negative comment. Listen to what others have to say, but in the long run, you will have to decide how important your goals are to you.
    • You may also meet people who don't support your goals. Remember that the goal you are aiming for is for friend, not anyone else. If you often get negative feedback about your goals, let them know that you don't like the feeling of criticism or disapproval. You can ask that person to stop judging you.
  11. Find a group of like-minded people. Luckily you're not the only one with that goal. Reach out to people who share your goals. You can start working together and learn from each other's knowledge and experiences. When you reach your goal, you can celebrate it together.
    • Go online, use social media and go places relevant to your goals near where you live. In today's digital age, there are many different ways to connect, keep in touch and form a community.

Part 2 of 3: Getting Started

  1. Start working towards your goal today. One of the most difficult steps in achieving that goal is getting started. Get started right away. Even if you still don't know exactly what your work plan will look like, start with your own dedication. When you can do that, it's time to put your own plan into action. You are often more likely to continue on with your goal if you sense immediate improvement.
    • For example, if your goal is “Eat a healthier diet”, go to the supermarket to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Clean cabinets for snacks. Go online and look for healthy menus. These are small, easy activities to complete but they can add up quickly.
    • If you want to learn a new skill, you have to start practicing. Practice playing your guitar and practice basic chords if you want to become a talented musician. Start reading self-help books for people who want to develop new skills. Whatever your goal, there's always a way to get started right away.
  2. Follow your plan of action. If you've followed the steps above, you probably already understand the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Now is the time to do them.
    • For example, if your goal is to buy a three bedroom apartment, go to the real estate website and find homes that match (or closely match) your criteria. Determine your budget and the amount of deposit you need. Set up a savings account to pay your deposit and start saving. Build credit by paying your bills fully and on time and managing credit lines.
  3. Visualize success. Research has shown that imagination can improve productivity. There are two types of imagination: outcome imagery and process visualization.
    • As for result visualization, visualize yourself when you have achieved your goals. This fantasy should be as specific and detailed as possible. How wonderful does it feel? Who is there to congratulate you? Do you feel proud? Are you happy?
    • In process visualization, you visualize the steps you will need to take to achieve your goals. For example, if your goal is as a small business owner, visualize the steps you need to take to achieve that goal. Imagine you are planning a business, getting a loan, attracting investments, etc.
    • This process helps the brain form "mutual memory". Psychologists think it will help you see that you can accomplish your own goals with your brain. đã feel successful.
  4. Make the list. Consider your goals every day. Read your goal list carefully at least once a day. Read your goals when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed in the evening. Reconcile what you did during the day against it.
    • When you have completed a goal on the list, do not rush to cross it out. Instead, move it to another list, for “accomplished” goals. Sometimes we focus on the things we have not yet achieved and forget about the goals we have accomplished. You should also create an accomplishment list that will motivate you.
  5. Please guide. Find a mentor or someone else who has reached your goals for advice. They will know how you can achieve your goals or what to avoid if you want to succeed. Listen to them carefully. Consult with them regularly.
    • Just like in school, you don't have to study advanced math yourself. It's a lot easier if you have a teacher - who knows the "recipes" for success - to help you along the way, to explain the ways to overcome the problems and celebrate when you are successful. public. A good advisor will feel proud of you when you achieve your goals in the same way that you are proud of yourself.

Part 3 of 3: Cruise Management

  1. Recognize "expectation failure syndrome". This syndrome may be quite familiar to you if you've ever set New Year goals. Psychologists have described this syndrome as a cycle of three phases: 1) setting goals, 2) being surprised by how difficult those goals are to achieve, 3) giving up on them.
    • This syndrome can occur if you expect immediate results.For example, your goal is to “get in good shape” and then feel discouraged when you've been exercising for two weeks without any noticeable changes. Setting clear timeframes and steps will help you fight those unrealistic expectations.
    • It can also happen when the feeling of "eager" goal setting fades away. For example, the initial “learning to play the guitar” goal can be quite interesting, when you buy a new guitar, learn a few chords, etc. However, when you have to practice every day, get callused, start moving through complex chord clusters, you can lose motivation. Setting small goals and celebrating each of the smallest successes can help keep you motivated.
  2. See challenges as lessons learned. Several studies have shown that people who view failure as a lesson tend to feel positive about their ability to achieve their goals. If you view challenges, difficulties or even mistakes as "failures" and blame yourself for it, you will forever immerse yourself in the past instead of looking into the future.
    • Research has also shown that the failures experienced by successful people are no less often than those who give up. The difference is in how people perceive failures. Can you learn from your mistakes to make the difference next time?
    • Perfectionism can also prevent you from admitting mistakes as a foundation for maturity. When you hold yourself to such far-fetched standards, you really tend to think your goals are unattainable.
    • Instead, be generous to yourself. Remind yourself that you are just a human being and that everyone will make mistakes and go through hardships.
    • Research has shown that positive thinking helps us learn, adapt, and change more effectively than it is to focus on flaws or mistakes. Next time you blame yourself for a mistake, remind yourself that you can learn from the experience no matter how detrimental it is now.
  3. Acknowledging all achievements. Reaching your goal has a lot to do with cognition. Celebrate in front of all your accomplishments, even small ones. If your goal is to get a 10 and you did a great job on the test, celebrate yourself. If your goal is to become a lawyer, celebrate every time you successfully pass a challenge, like passing law school, getting good grades on the course, passing the proficiency test and finally getting it a job.
    • Celebrate before every milestone or milestone. There are goals that will take years, or more, to reach. Appreciate and celebrate the time you have taken to do something. Practice will take time and effort. Acknowledge and be proud of the days you spend on it.
    • Celebrate even the smallest achievements. For example, if your goal is to “have a healthier diet” and you were able to say “no thanks” to the temptation of a greasy and delicious pizza, be proud of your copy. dear because of that.
  4. Keep up your enthusiasm. Whatever your goal, it has a reason. That is what you want for yourself in the future. Let that passion and effort come into play. Reminding yourself of the things you are working on will help you through difficult or frustrating times. Sometimes, you will have to choose the most difficult path to great success.
  5. Reconsider your goals if needed. Life is always full of things that don't yield good results. Sometimes, unexpected events will affect your plans. Don't be afraid to re-adjust things, think about new plans, set new goals, and discard ones that you don't care about anymore.
    • Difficulty is completely normal. You shouldn't get discouraged by them. Find out why you got stuck. Is it something you can control? Continue the next step accordingly.
    • Consider new opportunities. There are some good things in life that will come to you with a surprise. Accept new opportunities if they can help you accomplish your goal or set you up for a bigger goal.
  6. Persistence. Understand all the small successes you have accomplished. Achieving these great goals will help build your confidence because you know you can do the things you want to do. Remind yourself of your past successes every time you have a hard time.
    • Remember, hardship doesn't mean failure. The author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling was turned down 12 times in a row before being accepted by a publisher. Inventor Thomas Edison said he was "too stupid to learn anything". Oprah, a hugely popular host, was fired from the first TV show on the grounds that it was "not suitable for broadcast".
    • Sometimes the negative comments from others are the real motivations that motivate us to achieve our goals and dreams.