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7 Steps to Effective Goal Setting

Are you achieving your goals?

By VeronicaPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Most of us set goals for ourselves. Sometimes these goals are short-term or long-term goals, maybe we even set both types for ourselves. To give you an idea, here are a few examples of short-term goals: Reading 10 pages a day, mediating and exercising for 30 minutes, waking up early and going to bed on time, saving money for a vacation, or choosing to eat healthier. A couple examples of long-term goals could be buying a house in the future, pursue a higher education in college, starting your own business, increase your level of fitness, or starting a family of your own.

We all have similar goals to the ones listed above. But what really makes the difference between everyone? Accomplishing those goals... a lot of us set goals, but only few achieve them. So how do we accomplish these goals we set for ourselves?

Here are seven steps to effective goal setting.

1. Define your goal.

When defining your goal you should make your vision very clear and powerful. A goal that you know you would follow despite whatever setbacks and failures that come your way.

2. Where are you now?

Examine your current situation and where you are right now in terms of your goal. Have you started anything towards your goal? How far are you from accomplishing your goal?

3. Be honest.

How do you get to your goal? You have to be honest with yourself. Be honest about what you need to do and what needs to be done. Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are. Also find out what you need improvement in; physical, tactical, technical, and mental state.

4. Formulate a plan of improvement.

I would suggest to make a daily plan of improvement. What can you do on a daily basis to work towards reaching your goal(s)? For example, you could limit the amount of time you spend on social media and meditate instead to stay focused.

5. Make and work on short-term goals.

When setting long-term goals it's always best to set a short-term goal within your long-term goal. Why? When you set a smaller goal within the bigger goal and you see that accomplishment, it will keep you motivated and give you the drive to continue to achieve your bigger goal.

6. Commit!

You have to really want it. A lot of people say they want it but they really don't. You have to cancel Hulu, stay off Facebook, and get rid of anything that is distracting and not helping you achieve your goal. You really have to commit and stay focused. It's always easy said than done, but also remind yourself to enjoy the journey.

7. Watch your progress.

It is always great to see progress, is it not? Whether your progress is big or small. It's suggested that you write down ALL your (small) achievements along the way. Or you could even make a checklist for yourself and check off all your accomplishments once you're finished. Study says, writing down you daily wins you become more aware of your progress. A better experience of your progress may increase your: Motivation, perception, sense of accomplishment, and feeling of happiness.

Someone had told me:

"Becoming successful is like starting to exercise. At first it starts to hurt and it takes a lot of mental effort to get to the point where it feels good. Once you get past that point that's when the energy, drive and determination comes into place."

Remember when setting your goals, at first it isn't going to be easy but once you get going you'll get there.

Don't forget... define your goal, examine your situation, be honest with yourself, formulate a plan, work on short-term goals, commit, and most importantly, track your progress.

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About the Creator

Veronica

Exploring the world through words. 🌍✍️ Articles, stories, and poems on places, food, family fun, and the beauty of everyday life. Join me on a journey of discovery and imagination.

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