Your Smart Goal-Setting Template
Not only will you become confused and constantly side-tracked when trying to accomplish a VAGUE goal, you also won’t be able to generate the level of motivation and tenacity needed to see it through!
A better bet - here's your smart goal-setting template:
Know EXACTLY what you want to achieve
Be SPECIFIC! Each goal should include:
What: What you want to accomplish.
Where: Location, if applicable.
How: A preference as to “how” events will unfold.
Whom: If your goals involve others, highlight your expectations.
When: A general timeline for the fulfilment of your goals.
Why: Your reasons for wanting to achieve your goals.
Be very specific on these reasons and try to focus on the BENEFITS (the positive gains), not just the avoidance of what you DON’T want.
Once you are crystal clear about what you want to accomplish, put it into a neat, concise statement like this:
I want to achieve [what] at [where] by [how] by [timeline] with [other persons] because [why].
Now let’s break it down into 7 steps:
- Specify the goal.
- Break it down into smaller parts.
- Set clear action steps.
- Set a general timeline for completion.
- Train your mind to commit, take action and let go.
- Evaluate your progress frequently.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat.
The Importance of Identifying Clear Action Steps
Give your goal some thought and consider which key activities would create the results you desire.
Your answers will depend on the specifics of your goal, the type of goal and what you need to do to get there. Be as detailed as you can and aim for a minimum of 5 smaller parts of your goal.
Once you become comfortable with this process, goal achievement will become a simple and pleasant experience for you – no matter WHAT you want to attain.
You’ll know how to conquer your inner demons (like fear and overwhelm), face challenges head-on and move quickly and precisely to your chosen outcome.
Through the process of choosing your own outcomes and making it your mission to achieve them, you will strengthen and empower yourself more than you would believe is possible.
You’ll realize that your quality of life is completely within your control, and you need only follow a specific route to reach any destination you desire.
Then simply repeat the process to get to your next destination, and the next and the next! Just keep identifying the things you can do on a regular basis to keep your plans moving forward.
Set a General Timeline for Completion
While it’s favourable to set a GENERAL TIMELINE for completion of your goal, you would be wise to DETACH EMOTIONALLY from any firm expectations.
What do I mean by “detach emotionally”? I mean don’t get hooked on the idea of certain things happening at a certain time – especially if those “things” are largely out of your control.
Instead, focus more on your actions than the results. Set a timeline for completion of each of your ACTION STEPS, rather than the results you want to see from your action steps.
Your results are dependent upon the intensity and frequency of your actions. If you want big results, take BIG actions.
Frequently evaluate your daily actions:
- Are you sticking to your plan?
- Could you improve upon your actions in any way?
- Have you made any modifications?
- If so, are they working better for you?
- Have your results met your expectations so far?
- If not, why not?
- What else can you do to improve your results?
Each month, focus on your longer-term progress:
- Are your moving you in the right direction?
- Is your ultimate goal still the same or do you need a change in direction?
- Can you think of any ways to improve upon your original plan?
- What are you learning about yourself through this process?
- Are you beginning to think of even larger goals you can achieve now?
Goal achievement is simply an acquired process (eg a skill).
So stretch your limits and constantly refine your approach.
Keep your attention squarely on what you CAN control (your own actions) and enjoy the journey (the learnings!).
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