The lay definition for a goal is “a dream with a finish line.” Goals help us improve focus, as well as mobilize and direct our attention toward new changes we desire for the future, allowing us to live happier, more successful lives. Many people think they are goal setters, but simply spouting out vague remarks like “I want to get in better shape” does not qualify as an effectively stated goal. What is “better shape?” By when do you expect to be in “better shape?” And what things will you do so that you can measure if you are actually working toward “better shape?” No, effective goal setting is not some type of random utterance filled with future hopes, but instead a well-developed plan that includes a specific target, ongoing measurement of progress, and a timeline. While it might take a little longer to construct goals this way, your odds for future success are dramatically increased by the extra effort.
Effective goal setting
Hopes and dreams are great, but you need more than that if you are targeting important future changes. Fortunately, research has shown that goal setting, when done properly, will lead to better results when compared to simply “trying your best,” or compared to people who set no goals at all. Furthering this point, goal setting not only provides efficient means for reaching your targets, but also allows for improved self-confidence — a variable closely associated with life success. Below are a few quick tips to help you get started by setting power goals built on these tips:
- Specific. Often we start the goal setting process with vague hopes, like getting in better shape, improving at school, or winning more games. Unfortunately, a lot of people stop right there, really not knowing exactly what they are going for nor having any idea of how to get there. The important point here is to try and draft goals that are specific! Examples of specific goals include losing 20lbs, earning a 3.5 GPA, or making 50% of your field goals. Examples of non-specific goals would be “getting in better shape,” or “improving at school,” or “playing better.”
- Measurable. Similar to goals being specific, they should also be set in a way that allows you to track your progress. If your goal is to lose weight you can step on a scale, similar to how you can log your test scores to see if you are improving at school, and record your sport stats to see if you are closing to making 50% of your shots.
- Controllable. Finally, specific, measurable goals are important, but if you do not control your path toward your goals you will likely only experience minimal success. Take a sports example — if your goal is to make an all star team that’s great, but if coaches vote on the players selected then you have little control over the process. In this situation what you could do is play so well that coaches have to notice you and add you to the team, but even then there are always other, non-controllable factors (i.e. overly involved parents) that can interfere the goal pursuit process.
Final thoughts
In addition to the tips provided above, make it a point to be efficient with your time and effort, and reward yourself along the way while you make progress toward your goals. The better you feel and more confidence you experience, the more likely you will develop the mindset needed to overcome obstacles and ultimately reach your personal goals. Write down your goals, look at them daily, and use your goals to motivate you to reach your full human potential.
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