Master Goal Setting With These Tips

 

To master goal setting, you need to know what goal setting is, why you should set goals, the different types of goals, how to set goals properly, and most importantly how to achieve them. 

And that is exactly what you will learn from this post. 

 

What is Goal Setting?

 

Goal Setting is the process of identifying a goal, defining it, and designing an action plan to guide and inspire towards achieving that goal. A goal can be set as an individual, a couple, an organization, or even as a family. 

 

Goal setting often starts with setting an intention, sparked by an interest or passion. A goal runs much deeper than a want or desire. 

 

Goals are intentional, require planning, and most importantly a lot of hard work and sacrifice. 

 

Why should I set Goals?

 

Goal Setting allows you to visualize what you want to achieve in life and design and implement an actionable plan for getting there. 

 

Let’s break this down into separate points for a better understanding. 

 

1. To have a vision and mission in life

 

We all have a purpose in life. You may not believe it and think we are here just to live and go. But there is a bigger purpose too. We all have our unique set of skills and abilities, some of us just fail to put in the work to make something out of it.

 

Goal setting will allow you to set your vision and find your mission in life. Living a life of purpose gives your life experiences more meaning and value. 

 

2. To keep you on track 

 

Another reason to set goals is to hold you responsible and keep you on track toward realizing your dreams in life. 

 

By setting goals, you are clear on what you need to do and when you need to do it. You are less likely to lose your way and realize you’ve wasted so much time doing things that had little value to you. 

 

3. To become the best version of yourself

 

All of us have some talent and skill, but many fail to realize it and settle for less than they deserve. Don’t be one of them. 

 

Make a promise to yourself to set your goals, and go after them relentlessly. Goal setting is key to making this happen and making it your lifestyle.

 

4. To find fulfillment in life

 

I see many talented people who lack motivation and the desire to be great. This is not to say you shouldn’t be happy until your life is perfect.

 

When you find your purpose in life, your work or career becomes your purpose. It’s no longer just a job but your passion. You can talk to anyone who’s doing what they truly love, and they’d tell you how fulfilling it has made their life. 

What are the different types of Goals?

 

Goal setting can and should be done across different aspects of your life. Otherwise, there would be no balance. 

 

And when there is no balance, it can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, and other mental and physical health issues. Below are five major aspects of life in which you should set goals. 

 

1. Career Goals

 

A career is defined by who you are as a person. There is no right or wrong career as long as it brings no harm to others. What matters is you choose to do something you’re passionate about and love to do. 

 

This includes what profession you want to be in, how far up the ladder you want to climb in your job, if you want to start your own business and become an entrepreneur, etc. 

 

2. Personal Goals

 

Personal goals include anything of a personal nature such as hobbies and interests. If you’re an avid reader, you might have a goal of reading a certain amount of books every year. 

 

Or if you’re a travel enthusiast, you can set a goal to travel to a new country every year. It can be anything that brings joy and meaning into your life. 

 

3. Financial Goals

 

This is a big one. Whether we like it or not, we all need an adequate amount of money to enjoy a happy life. You’re not being greedy if you set a goal of making X amount of money by the time you reach a certain age. 

 

It’s ambitious and can keep you motivated to stay true to your goals. Just be mindful of money and don’t let your ego make your financial goals driven by greed. 

 

4. Health Goals

 

Health is wealth. It truly is. Without good health, you’re unable to enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you neglect your health to achieve all your other goals, you’ll regret it later.

 

By setting health goals such as a strong and fit body, prioritizing mental health, and eating nutritious and healthy food, you constantly choose to live a healthy lifestyle.  

 

5. Family Goals

 

Most of us have similar goals when it comes to family. We long to have loving relationships with our parents, spouses, children, friends, and other family members. 

 

Setting goals to build healthy relationships with family and friends, having a family of your own, a family home, traveling together as a family, and raising kind and loving children are all great family goals to set. 

How to set goals properly

 

Below are some important things to consider when setting goals to make sure your goals align with your values, passion, and lifestyle. 

 

1. Try different things to find your passion

 

When you’re a young adult just starting your career, different fields of work may seem interesting to you. While you’re still young and have the time, try a variety of work until you find something you’re passionate about.

 

When you’re working for something you’re passionate about, it will resonate with you deeper than any other work you have done. Work your way up from there and use that as a guide to goal setting.  

 

2. Set goals that you’re passionate about

 

Once you know the things you’re passionate about you will have an inner calling to do work built around those things.

 

By setting goals that align with your passions, you give yourself a much higher chance of success and consistency in your efforts. 

 

3. Set a timeline

 

Your goals need to have a timeline to be successful. If you intend to become something someday, it most likely will never happen.

 

Instead, set a goal and a time frame to achieve it. For example, you could set a goal to become a manager by the age of 25, make your first 100k by the age of 40, or have your own family by the age of 35. 

 

4. Make sure it is realistic

 

We all want to achieve great things. But if your goal is to become a pilot but are scared of flying, chances are you won’t achieve it.

 

An important part of goal setting is to ensure the goals you’re setting are realistic, align with your skill set and experience, and are achievable.

 

5. Create systems to measure your progress

 

After setting your goals, you also must create systems to measure progress. Most long-term goals are dynamic and require multiple levels of tasks and improvisations to make it happen.

 

For example, becoming an entrepreneur and running your own business might be your main goal. But you also need to create a company, find products or services to sell, decide the price, and find ways to market and distribute them.

How do I achieve my goals?

 

After you’ve set your goals, now you need a plan to achieve them. By following the below tips, you can ensure you create a plan that works and put in the necessary work consistently.

 

1. Breakdown your goals into smaller chunks

 

Most goals are big and ambitious. For instance, creating a business, gaining financial independence, having a toned body, etc. 

 

Break down your goals into smaller daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. This will simplify things and keep you motivated throughout your journey.

 

2. Fit them into timelines

 

The next step is to fit those goals into timelines. By breaking them down and giving each goal a timeline, you know what needs to be done next to achieve those deadlines. 

For example, if you want to build a business you need a product or service to sell. Set timelines to register your company, research products, create or buy those products, and start marketing.

 

3. Create a working structure or system

 

Once you have your goals defined and timelines set, you need to create a working structure or system to achieve them.

 

For example, to have a toned body you need a solid workout and diet plan as well as lifestyle changes. To achieve financial independence, you need to figure out how to increase your earnings, reduce spending, and grow your money by investing. 

 

4. Commit to it daily

 

Achieving your goals is a journey. You will have ups and downs, feel lost and demotivated, and even question if your goals are achievable at all. 

 

But if you’re passionate about something and serious about achieving your goals, you need grit. When you’re tired, take a rest and start working on it again the next day. 

 

5. Measure and improvise

 

No matter how well-planned you are, things will change and you will have to adapt. That’s the nature of life and this is a quality all successful people have. 

 

Do monthly and quarterly reviews of where you are with your goals and find ways to improvise when needed. 

 

Key Takeaway

 

Goal setting is a key deciding factor separating successful people from the rest. If you want to achieve your goals, you need to set goals, find ways to achieve them, and be consistent in your efforts.

 

If you have the above qualities and an unstoppable mindset, you can truly achieve anything you aspire to.