I recently came across this definition of a goal: A goal is a dream with a deadline. The opposite is also true – a goal without a deadline will remain a dream.
Some people set goals in their stride; people climbing the corporate ladder often do it in a structured way, defining a mission, vision, and long-term arrival point. I believe in setting goals for my own development and growth. I do the same for my business and career.
However, I have come to realise that one needs to put yourself in a state of mind where you believe, like a little child would, that what you want is perfectly possible. I also believe that goal-setting should become a regular habit, like budgeting and following a healthy lifestyle.
The acronym SMART helps me to measure my goals and expectations. Keeping a record of my goals in a journal, links my conscious and subconscious mind and helps me to get exactly what I want out of life.
- Be Specific with your goals by naming exactly what you want to achieve. Spell out clearly why you want to do this and how you plan to get there.
- Goals should be Measurable. Define how you will measure each goal.
- If a goal is not Attainable, it would only serve to make you despondent, feeling like a failure.
- Setting Realistic goals does not mean that they should be easy or keep you in your comfort zone.
- Time-linked: Add a timeline to your goal by asking yourself how many months or years you want to allow yourself to achieve each goal. Differentiate between short-term (one year) and longer-term goals and write down review dates in your diary.
Some random questions we should ask ourselves in the goal-setting process:
- Who would I like to become, what would I like to create before it is too late?
- Who would I like to be close to and who are the people to avoid?
- What would I like to learn and which skills do I need to achieve my goal?
- What would add meaning to my life and to those that are dear to me?
