Do you ever sit back and dream about accomplishing something in your life – only to set it aside because it looks too difficult or unachievable?
Too often, we set amazing goals and intend on fulfilling them. However, as time goes by, we never fully accomplish any of them!
This may be a result of a lack of self control, procrastination, changing our minds, or having created poorly defined goals in the first place.
Regardless of the reason for quitting, there is always a way to recreate your goals in a way that will set you up for success!
Remember, your behavior is guided by your goals. These goals help you control the direction of your life, helping you to determine whether you are succeeding or not.
Creating these goals must take careful consideration because you are the one who knows whether you have the time and means to actually meet them in the first place!
Below are 7 secrets to actually setting achievable goals! These tips will show you how to formulate goals that are actually well-defined and easy to follow.
1.) Focus on One Specific Goal
We live in a multi-tasking culture that makes it difficult for us to focus on one thing for very long. (Just think of all the distractions caused only by your phone: world news, friends/family drama, politics, work emails, dozens of interesting apps, etc.)
We are surrounded by things that are all competing for our attention!
When it comes to creating your goals, you MUST define and focus on one specific goal at a time.
If your goal is vague, it is much easier for you to procrastinate it!
Example: If you say, “I want to set a goal to get fit in 6 months”, that doesn’t help you because it isn’t specific! You need to redefine your goal to something that you can directly accomplish. “I want to get fit in 6 months, so I will go to the gym and work out for at least 45 minutes per day, 5 times a week.”
2.) Divide Your Goal Into Steps
One of the biggest reasons for giving up a dream or goal is it looks too difficult and daunting!
The #1 reason for this is because you didn’t take the time to create actionable steps.
Sit down and write out what you want to accomplish with this goal. Physically writing down your goals helps to identify actionable steps that you need to take to accomplish the task.
Example: “I want to improve my credit score.” To accomplish this goal, you must divide it into steps: making credit card payments on time, opening a deposit secured loan, knowing how much to spend on each card, etc.
3.) Create A Timeline
Anyone can create an amazing goal! But how long will it actually take to accomplish it? A few weeks, a few months, several years?
Sit down and create a timeline for your goal.
Don’t go all crazy and set yourself an unattainable timeline. “I will lose 60 lb. in one month!”
Creating unrealistic goals will majorly discourage you from ever creating another great goal again.
Example: “I want to lose 60 lb. Since I can lose a maximum of 2 lb. per week, I will give myself 32 weeks to lose this weight.” Remember to create REALISTIC GOALS! Add on some extra time if you feel like you cannot accomplish it! Remember, you know your abilities and limits, so don’t set yourself up for disappointment and failure.
4.) Have a Visual Checklist
While accomplishing your goals, you should have a visual reminder that you are kicking butt!
In Tip #2, I mentioned sitting down and writing out your goals and creating actionable steps. Type out or write down a checklist that allows you to see everything that you want to accomplish. As you complete each task, check them off the list! It gives you an amazing and accomplished feeling because you are FINALLY making a dream come true!
Related Article: 11 Productivity Tips for Working Smarter Not Harder
5.) Create a Winner’s Mindset
Easier said than done, right?
If you set a goal, but doubt yourself, there is a high probability that you will never accomplish it!
Keep a positive mindset and surround yourself with people who encourage you in your goals.
Example: Perhaps you have a weight loss goal, but your best friend or co-worker is always bringing you delicious, calorie-packed snacks! Maybe you want to set a budget for yourself and actually stick with it! However, your friend is always telling you that you deserve to go shopping and buy yourself something new! Make it a personal challenge to say, “No!” Let your enablers know that you are very intentional with your goals! They may be in the same position you are, but unwilling to take the steps that you are. The old saying is very true, “Misery loves company.” Stay strong and be persistent!
6.) Know When To Stop or Recreate Goals That Aren’t Working
All of us have created unrealistic goals in our lives! Who doesn’t want to be sexy, smart, and rich by 30!?
When you see a goal that is progressing too slowly or giving you anxiety because you aren’t accomplishing it, you must know when to let it go.
If you still want to complete it, sit down and recreate the goal in a way that makes it accomplishable!
Example: “In one year, I want to be financially secure enough to quit my job and work from home.” If this doesn’t happen, don’t give up! Simply sit down and recreate your plan. Perhaps you are procrastinating your goals or you haven’t educated yourself in the area of work you are focusing on. When you want something bad enough, you must find a way to accomplish it! However, if your goal is ruining your happiness or becoming an unhealthy obsession, you must identify when you need to stop.
Related Article: 5 Ways to Deal with Anxiety When It Hits at Work
7.) Ask for Help and Invest in Yourself
If you have an amazing goal, but don’t know exactly how to accomplish it, ask for help! Invest in yourself!
Example: If you want to become financially independent, sit down with a financial adviser and create an action plan. If you want to create a successful blog, purchase a trusted blog course to educate yourself. If you want to get fit, find a trusted fitness coach to help to create realistic goals and reach them. If you want to change your career path, reach out to someone in that industry and ask to talk to them about it.
To reach your goals, you MUST acknowledge that you may need help. And, no, that information is not always online!
Sometimes, to make your dreams come true, you will have to ask someone for help.
And when you become successful, you can help someone else reach their goals!
Related Article: 11 Productivity Tips for Working Smarter Not Harder
Now that you know how to create realistic goals, TAKE ACTION!
Otherwise, 6 months down the road, you will be wondering where you would have been if you had started it now.
Remember, anyone can set a goal, but not everyone accomplishes them.
Be specific with your goals and follow the 7 steps above to successfully achieve them.
