How to Set Smart Goals You Can Actually Achieve
Hatched by Alessio Frateily
Jul 23, 2023
4 min read
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How to Set Smart Goals You Can Actually Achieve
How long do you think it takes most people to drop their new year’s resolutions? 23% of people quit by the end of the first week, 64% after the first month (according to a study with Australian and UK citizens), and 81% before the end of the second year. It's clear that setting goals is not enough; you need to set smart goals that you can actually achieve. In this article, we will explore the steps to setting smart goals and provide actionable advice to help you succeed.
Step 1: Start with your vision
There is one quality which one must possess to win, that is a definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. – Napoleon Hill
To set smart goals, you first need to start with your vision. Envision your legacy: What impact do you want to make and how do you want to be remembered? Create a 5-year vision: Imagine where you want to be in five years and what you want to have accomplished. Start with your dream: Think about what you would love to achieve, even if it seems unrealistic. Reflect on your past: Think about what you've been wanting to achieve over the last few years. Consider what you admire in others: What are the qualities or accomplishments that you admire in other people that you would like to adopt? Determine what you want to do less of: Are there any activities or habits that you want to reduce or eliminate? Write down everything that comes to your mind even if it seems crazy. Your wildest dreams may be unrealistic, but this process will help you steer yourself towards achieving them.
Step 2: Break down your vision into achievable goals
Your desire to achieve this goal must be so intense that the idea of accomplishing your goal brings you happiness and excitement. – Brian Tracy, Goals!
Once you have written down what you want to achieve, it is now time to create goals that will help you get there. Here are some strategies for creating achievable goals. Create goals from your vision. Working backwards from your vision, think about what goals will help you get there. Write down all your goals on a piece of paper or a digital notepad. Prioritize your goals. When prioritizing, think about the “fire level” you have for each goal. Define “Fire level” as the feeling you get when you think about how badly do you want to achieve your goal? Knowing your “why” behind the goal will help you determine how much fire you have in you to achieve this goal. Bring goals under your control. You have better chances of achieving your goal if you have control over the outcome. Identify the areas that require improvement. For each of your goals, evaluate why you have not achieved your goal yet. Be specific and thorough in considering all possible factors that may be hindering your progress. Define success. Having a clear understanding of what success looks like will help you know when you've reached your goal. Think of your goals in terms of quantifiable metrics, such as numbers and percentages. This makes it easy to track progress towards your goals.
Step 3: Prepare for failures
As we all know, not everyone who starts a new year’s resolution sticks to it by the end of the year. Why do you think that happens? It’s because people lose motivation when things get tough.
To set smart goals that you can actually achieve, it's important to prepare for failures. Understand that setbacks and obstacles are a normal part of the journey towards achieving your goals. Instead of giving up when faced with challenges, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your purpose and the impact you want to make. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages and motivates you. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep yourself motivated. Remember, achieving goals is not a linear process, and setbacks are bound to happen. It's how you respond to them that will determine your success.
In conclusion, setting smart goals that you can actually achieve requires starting with a clear vision, breaking it down into achievable goals, and preparing for failures along the way. By following these steps and incorporating the actionable advice provided, you will be on your way to achieving your goals and creating a life that aligns with your vision and values. So go ahead, set those smart goals and start working towards making your dreams a reality.
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