Goal Setting for Success: Turn Dreams into Reality

“What are your goals in life?” is a question that you might have heard often. In fact, as soon as you hear this question, you might already see a few goals you have set for yourself right in front of your eyes. Not a surprise either, as this achievement-focused world encourages us to have goals and chase those goals.

Yet, chasing goals is not merely checking boxes - one achievement after another. It needs something known as “goal setting.” In this blog, we shall explore goal setting and how it can enable you to turn your dreams and your visions into tangible reality.

Goal setting is defined as setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives you want to achieve. These are commonly known as S.M.A.R.T. goals. When you set S.M.A.R.T goals, you do not just engage in goal setting; rather, you plan how to achieve them and identify the outcomes of your planning.

Goal setting is a motivational tool; it allows you to stay focused on your goal, track your success, take detours where necessary, and achieve whatever you set out to achieve. Even more so than a motivational tool, it is a mindset that allows you to increase personal responsibility and take control of your life - direct it where you want it to go.

S.M.A.R.T. goals may sound easy to craft. However, once you set these goals, you need to follow the path you have charted to achieve them. However, it is also possible you lose focus and veer away in a different direction. So, here are some strategies you can follow that will allow you to stick to the goals you set:

Prioritize One Goal:

Have a singular focus. That is, prioritize one goal rather than flitting from one goal to the next, and getting pulled in different directions. When you prioritize one goal at a time, you can track real progress.

Goal Chaining:

Goal chaining is an interesting concept that allows you to stick to the goals you set. It is when you chain your goals with habits that you have already incorporated into your life. It makes it easier for you to follow through with your goals.

Set an Upper Limit:

Generally, we set lower limits when we engage in goal setting. For instance, if a person sets the goal of losing one pound per week, it is the lower limit. Instead, if they set an upper limit, say, not more than 2 pounds, it makes the goal seem more achievable. It also stops you from going overboard.

Create a Conducive Environment:

You need to create an environment that is conducive to your goals. For instance, if the goal is to cut down on smoking, then having cigarette packets lying around is not exactly conducive to the goal as it creates a temptation and craving for smoking. Instead, removing any kind of cigarettes or other tobacco products from the vicinity will make it difficult to acquire them and, over time, curb the desire as well.

Track Goals:

Sticking to your goals becomes easy when you are able to track them. It allows you to stay focused on your goals when you know exactly where you are in the course you have charted toward achieving them. For instance, if your goal is to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, make a note of how many minutes you are able to engage in mindfulness every day and for how many days you are able to do it at a stretch. This creates a positive mindset and allows you to stay on track.

Goals are driving factors in your life. We all have goals. However, achieving goals requires goal setting.

Goal setting is a powerful tool. It drives you toward achieving your goals and motivates you to develop strategies for achieving your goals. Moreover, setting goals does not serve as a motivation, it affects behavior and lifestyle as well.

When you achieve your goals, it increases your self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction as well.

Despite setting goals, very few actually achieve goals in life. This is because of the lack of consistency in goal setting and achievement. So, the key to your success is when you set yourself up for consistent goal achievement. Some of the steps you can take toward the same are:

• Have a clear vision that directs you to take consistent action. This means you set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals as well as a concrete plan to achieve them.
• Goals must be long-term, and you need to review these goals consistently. For instance, a weekly or monthly review gives you enough time to follow goals and track progress.
• Avoid trying to look for instant gratification, as this takes the focus away from long-term planning and success.
• Have a positive mindset; focus on progress, celebrate wins, and adjust plans wherever required.
• If you miss out in some way, afford some grace to yourself. Do not see them as failures but rather as stepping stones to your success.

The success of goals depends on goal planning, which means going about achieving your goals in a methodical manner:

The First Step:

The first step is to visualize the desired outcome. This requires setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, like “I shall lose between 4 – 8 pounds in a month.”

The Second Step:

The second step is to create an action plan, which means you need to break goals into manageable steps. For instance, if you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, you can begin by improving nutrition, tracking the amount of water you drink every day, setting up a workout routine, establishing a sleep routine, and tracking progress consistently.

The Third Step:

The third step is to set deadlines. In every step that you take towards your goal, you need to set a deadline. For instance, if you are going to prepare for a marathon to be held on January 30th, then set a deadline for every step you need to take. It can look something like this:

• Create a training schedule by October 15th.
• Run a long-distance test by November 5th.
• Complete a half-marathon as a practice run by December 15th.
• Finalize gear by January 10th.

Participate in a taper week held 2 - 4 weeks before the marathon event to be held on January 30th.

The Fourth Step:

The fourth step is to analyze the resources you have and the ones you need. For instance, you can think of the skill set you need to achieve a goal. If you do not possess the skill set presently, plan how you can develop the skill set and who can help you with it.

The Fifth Step:

The fifth step is to implement the plan of action. This is the culmination of all you have planned so far. To stick to the goals you have set, it is good to create a reward system to keep you motivated. For instance, if a person loses between 4 - 8 pounds in a month as they have planned, then treating themselves to their favorite movie can serve as a good reward.

The Final Step:

The final step is to monitor the progress. Track how far you have come in terms of achieving your goal, whether you have adhered to the timeline or not, and if you have met the objectives. Be open to feedback, build on your strengths, and focus on the areas where you need improvement.

Goal setting can be transformative; however, it does not come without its challenges. Between setting goals and achieving them, obstacles become part and parcel of the journey. However, there are ways you can overcome these obstacles:

• The first thing to do is identify what your obstacles are. Toward the same, you can introspect or seek external feedback. Once you identify these obstacles, recognize them and acknowledge them.
• The next thing to do is change the way you approach obstacles. For this, it is important you become self-aware, acknowledge your shortcomings, challenge negative thinking, and develop a learning/growth mindset.
• Develop a plan to overcome obstacles. Define your plans, break them down into manageable steps, prioritize these steps, and set deadlines.
• Have a good support system around you and reach out to them when needed. Obstacles can become cumbersome and deplete motivation, and this is when you need to reach out to your trusted near and dear.

With setting goals, it is not just simply putting pen to paper and jotting them down. It requires drive and action, sure, but it also requires your accountability. For this, you need to take ownership of these goals and acknowledge that you are in control of them.

Accountability enables you to take responsibility for the actions you perform, the decisions you take, and the outcomes you achieve. It requires honesty with yourself and your goals. Taking accountability keeps you motivated, and when you achieve your goals, the entire journey becomes very satisfying.