Chances are, dozens of goals come to mind every day. There are things you want to get done on your mental to-do list today, next week, and even next year. By converting this to-do list into actionable goals, you can get more done and feel a greater sense of achievement.
Understand goals
Achieving goals isn’t as easy as thinking of something you want to do and then getting the job done. If so, a lot of people would be very successful. Instead, we think of things we want to complete, take a few steps towards the goal, and then get distracted or discouraged
Smaller short-term goals are easier to achieve than long-term goals that require more commitment. It is natural that you want to see results right away, and if you don’t, you can stop putting so much effort into your goal. However, it likely sticks to your mind and postpones it or makes less effort than you could to get it done
For example, if you want to do a 10K race, you need to commit to weeks of training. You need to build your stamina by starting slowly, alternating running and walking intervals until you reach your goal. It’s easy to feel motivated for the first week and even the second week.
But as the days progress, you may find that you are putting off practicing each day until the next day. You lose the progress you’ve made and feel more discouraged, so let go of your goal and maybe even pursue something else. Over time, you may have a lot of half-finished ideas and projects that you never fully complete. By setting more meaningful goals for yourself, you can achieve more.
5 SMART elements of a goal
No matter what you want to achieve, there are five elements that make setting goals worthwhile. When these elements are in place, so many experts say you are more likely to achieve your goals. Any goals you set should be SMART or:
1. Specific. Find out more about your goal. It’s not enough to say that you want to run a 10K. When would you like to complete the 10K? Do you have a run time you want to beat for your 10K? You are more likely to stick to a certain goal
2. Measurable. Make sure you apply a metric to your goal. If you want to eat healthier, quantify what that means. Count and keep track of the servings of fruits and vegetables you eat each day so you can visually see your progress over time
3. Accessible. It’s easy to set a big goal for yourself, but is it something you can accomplish? For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds in a month it may be beyond your reach. Instead, set yourself a goal for two months so that a goal that is currently unattainable doesn’t stop you from trying in the first place
4. Realistic. Does your goal make sense? Are you able to achieve the goal given your schedule and other responsibilities? Unless you are a runner, setting a goal of running a full marathon may not be realistic. Instead, set yourself the goal of running a 5 km, then a 10 km, a half marathon, and finally a full marathon
5. On time. Establish a meaningful schedule for your goal. While you want to give yourself enough time to get there, you also don’t want it to be so far away that you feel like you have plenty of time to get there. The goal should give you a sense of challenge.
Understand motivation
You can set any goals you want, but if you aren’t motivated to achieve them, you probably won’t. Motivation is critical to committing to a goal and taking steps to achieve it, even on tough days. As you set a goal, take some time to think about why it is important to you. If it helps, write down your “why” and keep it in a place where you can always see it.
Plan for obstacles
The road to success is not easy. For example, let’s say you create a plan to achieve your goal of running 10K. You choose three days a week to practice running. You set a completion date taking into account a completion time. Then you get sick. You missed a week and that shifts the goal of your timeline
Instead of giving up your goal or setting it aside for another time, commit yourself to your goal again. Make an extra day for three weeks to catch up on the date of your last 10 kilometers or move it back a week. Allow some flexibility in pursuing your goal.
Create the habit
It takes 30 days for an activity to become a habit. If you are looking for reasons not to pursue your goal, you will always find them. Don’t apologize for the first 30 days of your goal. Take the necessary steps and give yourself the chance to establish healthy habits that will bring you closer to your goal.
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