4 Tips For Goal Setting

For some goal setting can be exciting and gratifying whereas for others, they can become burdensome. There are many people today moving away from the art of goal setting and are just declaring what they plan to get done without any appropriate action. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, I want you to know that goal setting, when done correctly can increase life satisfaction. Here are tips to achieving your goals

1. WRITE IT DOWN - "Seeing is believing"

A goal left unwritten is an imagination. To succeed at your goals, put some conscious thought to it by writing it down and elaborating on what you want to do. To put it plainly, writing your goals down gives them life. When you write your goals, apply the S.M.A.R.T approach.

• Specific - Your goal should describe exactly what it is that you would like to do. Instead of saying you would like to eat better, you could say you will decrease the number of meals eaten from a fast food restaurants from 5 meals weekly to 2 meals weekly.

• Measurable - How do you know when you have accomplished the goal? You want to be able to recognize when you have successfully completed your goal. Maybe it is a waist measurement, height climbed, miles ran, etc.

• Attainable - Will you have all of the resources needed to meet requirements of your goal? If not, reevaluate your goal and set yourself up for success.

• Relevant - Does this goal match your personal and professional beliefs and aspirations? Ask yourself "Is this relevant to me?" or more specifically "why do I want to do this?"

• Timely - When will you like to have your goal met? Set an end date.

2. CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION - "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail" - Ben Franklin

Once you have your goal, your next step will be to create a plan of action. You will need a start date. You start and end date should be realistically calculated. Additionally, write out the resources you may need to achieve your goal. If you need to tweak your goal while you are working through your action plan, do that. One of the most important elements of developing a plan of action, will be creating a fall-back plan. Let's say one of your action items is to "run on an outdoor track for 15 minutes 3 days a week" and then it starts to rain. What will you do then? Prepare yourself for major events, trips, inclement weather, etc.

3. SHARE IT - "Sharing is caring"

Congratulations! You have set a goal. Now, you will want to get a support team behind you. Your team can consist of your health care provider, friends, family, co-workers, etc. You will want to share your goal with others so that they can help hold you accountable. Your support team are oftentimes great motivators as well. Make sure you share with those that you trust to be a positive supporter. Set times to check-in with them and you never know, one or more of them may be wanting to set the same goal or one similar and you can help each-other.

4. CELEBRATE THE VICTORIES - "Small progress is still progress"

Build in check points so that you are aware of your goal progress and are able to make any necessary adjustments. At these times, you also have the opportunity to applaud yourself for your victories no matter how small. You have the ability to accomplish your goals. You first have to bring it to life and then get going.