We set goals because there are so many material possessions we want to have and dreams we want to achieve. But establishing goals is not just a random thinking process. We cannot just think of a goal and act on it right away, and then get another goal in mind and instantly work on it. Some of us may find it difficult to complete our individual goals. Some simply fail in doing so while others successfully accomplish their goals.

There are steps and methods to follow in order to effectively reach your goals. Other people strategize when setting their goals, especially if it is long-term or a big goal.

Planning Your Goals Carefully

Sometimes, it is only proper and careful planning that makes your goals well established. In planning your goals, you need to make the following considerations:

Knowing what you really want to achieve.

Before anything else, consider giving a thought to your dreams and ambitions. Think of the changes you want to see in your life. Do you want a better career? Do you want to become part of the higher management in your workplace? Do you want to travel around the world? All these questions and many more will give you a good idea of the things you really want in life. You can associate your past experiences with your future goals as well. Once you have outlined your goals, make sure that you stay really passionate about achieving them.

Write down your goals.

Although everything starts in the mind when it comes to goal setting, we can only rely so much on our memory. The use of other senses form part of pushing for your goals. Scribbling down your short-term and long-term goals in your journal will keep you visually reminded of what you want to achieve.

Start with short-term then progress to long-term goals.

Nothing is wrong with being ambitious. You are free to create dreams that may even seem impossible to achieve. However, if you are serious about accomplishing those huge ambitions, you better start small. Everything begins small and even with a certain level of difficulty. So, focus first on short-term goals, those that you are confident and capable of achieving, before venturing onto bigger ones. 

Set Goals based on Performance and Abilities

Knowing the important points in goal setting makes it easier for you to reach your goals. Randomness just doesn’t work most of the time. There has to be some sort of guidelines in goal setting.

It is like driving a car without actually knowing how to drive, and never reaching the destination. Goals have to be acted upon with the right skills and capabilities. You cannot dream of being a businessman if you do not know how to save and spend money wisely. You cannot become part of the management group at work if your performance is poor. You have to have the right attitude and skills in order to act on your goals effectively.

Set Realistic and Specific Goals

Goals may not be considered realistic if other people such as your family, friends, and even the society set goals that are not for your own satisfaction but are actually what they want for you. This can induce pressure on your part. Another factor for an unrealistic goal is when you set your expectations so high that it can sometimes cause disappointment. It is better to start acting on your goals based on average performance and gradually increasing performance level as more achievements are attained. When goals seem a bit highly ambitious and unrealistic, the tendency is that you end up not putting serious effort on it.

Similarly, goals have to be specific and defined. A goal that is a little too vague is definitely not going to give you any sense of direction. You are practically sailing a ship with no idea where you are heading. Specific goals are measurable, meaning you can constantly keep track of its progress. At least when one goal fails, you will not feel too disappointed about it. You can instead find out the cause of the failure and give it another try by adjusting yourself and your skills to meet the goal.