Setting simple and achievable goals for yourself is a great way to set yourself up for larger and more ambitious goals - the kind that are generally referred to as a ‘five-year plan’ or as ‘dreams’. Goal setting requires both achievement and failure so it’s important to expect both to occur in any new personal or professional endeavour.  

What is goal setting?

The main difference between a resolution and a goal is the planning incrementation needed to achieve one’s objective. For example, a New Year’s resolution is one level above a wish - it’s an intention or vague plan that lacks documentation or attention to detail.

Goal setting demands the desired result within a defined process where something is accomplished through a devised plan. By setting a goal you are acknowledging that you desire change and the goal setting is seen as an intellectual exercise that’s used to plan for the future.

How to set goals

The first step towards setting a successful goal is analysing all aspects of the goal itself. You need to make sure that each goal is worthwhile and, at the same time, simple and achievable on a day to day basis. 

Making to-do lists is an important form of goal setting and typically includes the action items of a larger goal. You can use the SMART goal setting framework to make sure that you’re setting achievable goals. SMART stands for: Specific, Motivational, Action-oriented, Relevant to your situation, and Time-bound.

Setting business goals

Business goals follow the same methodology as personal ones as they must also be relevant, actionable, and achievable. Creating a business action plan will provide you with direction, which will result in your vision statement, a mission statement,  and specific business goals to keep you moving forward.

How to use goals to spur achievement

The power of goal setting lies in the motivations and results. Three motivational points to consider include choosing challenging goals, choosing and monitoring both short-term and long-term goals, as well as keeping goals consistent.

If you set a goal that’s too easy to complete then there’s a low sense of achievement in it. You will end up feeling bored and as a result, you’ll fall out of the habit of goal setting. The challenge is what makes results feel worthwhile and rewarding.

In terms of your business goals, a vision statement is a useful tool because it inspires daily operations and strategic decisions. Predetermined daily reminders will help you stay focused on your goals and make sure they don’t fade in the background of a busy schedule. 

Starting each day with a personal or business planning session is a great routine to sharpen your goal setting discipline. This can also be achieved through regular reading, meditation, or exercise. These daily habits will increase your motivation and clarity when setting and achieving your goals.

When setting your short-term goals make sure they don’t contradict each other, and they remain consistent with your long-term goals. An overarching mission will help you stay on track. Working through a business planning makeover can also show you how to create a framework for long-term goal setting.

Goal setting equals success

By taking part in regular goal setting, you are taking important steps towards achieving personal reflection and self-discipline. Dr. Orison Swett Marden, an American inspirational author who founded SUCCESS magazine in 1987, wrote about achieving goals in life:

“All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.”

Results will follow regular goal setting and they’ll also be a reflection of your habits, motivation, and focus.