A clearly-stated set of objectives can be a powerful tool for achieving one’s
goals. If you feel a need to establish a clearly-defined set of goals, the
following hints will be helpful:
IDEA #1: Start with a personal mission statement: A personal mission
statement addresses core issues that change little over time. This statement
deals with concerns such as health (spiritual, physical, and psychological),
family, lifetime goals and other matters of "existential importance."
A personal mission statement forms a foundation; it serves as a backdrop against
which personal goals take shape.
IDEA #2: Make your goals "SMART":
Specific: Written in detail; specific
Measurable: Able to be quantified; often numerical
Achievable: Set at workable levels
Realistic: Achievable given available resources and time
Timely: Completion dates assigned
IDEA # 3: Establish a complete range of goals:
Lifetime
Long-range (3-5 years)
Annual
Immediate: Monthly, weekly, daily
Obviously, to the greatest extent possible,
your daily to-do lists should focus on those instrumental activities that lead
directly to the achievement of your longer term goals.
IDEA # 4: Focus on behaviors, not
just results: Instead of accumulating a "wish list" of goals,
focus your attention on the measurable behaviors that are required to fulfill
each goal. Then commit to yourself to perform those behaviors consistently: Over
time, consistent goal-oriented behaviors lead, inevitably, to desired results.
IDEA # 5: Make Modifications as Needed: Important goals should never
be abandoned without careful consideration; however once a goal is deemed either
unachievable or too easily achieved, it ceases to serve as a motivating force.
As mentioned above, the most effective goals are realistic. Unrealistic goals
should be modified so that that they remain attainable and therefore
motivational.
For
a simple worksheet designed to help you set goals, click here.
This page was written by
Criswell Freeman, Psy.D.
