Goal-Setting Gets the Job Done

Goal-setting is a little like that old saying about the weather: Everyone talks about it, but nobody does anything about it. However, appropriate goals that are well thought out and achievable can propel you steadily toward the future you want.

What stops us from setting goals?

Many professionals are simply too busy to take the time to really think about their short- and long-term goals. Some are so stressed and overwhelmed they can't think beyond the current week, or even the current day.

Others have actually tried what they thought was goal-setting, only to fail because they didn't understand the process well enough or they set unrealistic goals. But it's worth another try: Done correctly, goal-setting is a tool that can create a path to the life you really want.

Setting effective goals

So what's the difference between a workable goal and one that will be forgotten after a week? According to a tip on wikiHow.com, effective goals are SMART:

• Specific. Know what your outcomes should be, and be specific about who will be involved along with you. Determine what time, money and resources will be needed. Know not just what your outcome will be, but how it will actually happen.
• Measurable. A goal should have a deadline, specific tasks, and measurable results attached to it. When you meet a measurable goal, the results provide the energy and inspiration to meet the next goal.
• Attainable. Do you want the results enough to work for them? An attainable goal is one to which you're willing to devote the time, skills, money and other resources necessary to succeed.
• Realistic. Do you have the skills, know-how and other resources to get the job done? If not, perhaps the goal needs to be broken down into smaller goals that lead slowly but steadily to your desired destination.
• Time driven. Deadlines create accountability and pressure. Setting time limits for goals also helps you gauge how realistic the goal is. If the goal is too big to fit its allotted timeframe, divide it into smaller goals.

For the best long-term results, try creating a long-term plan — say, five to 10 years. Then break the goals down by what has to be accomplished each year … each month … each week … each day.

Sticking to the plan

Once you have realistic short- and long-term goals with specific tasks, it's crucial to work toward them every day — even if all you do is make a new to-do list for the next day's tasks.

If you have serious problems following through with the goals you set, consider telling a friend, significant other or network you're a part of about your plans. Accountability to someone other than yourself can be a powerful motivator.

As you accomplish your goals and meet the deadlines you've set for yourself, you'll find your enthusiasm carrying over to other goals and even other areas of your life.

Are we there yet?

Periodically review your progress as you meet your goals. Are they working? Do you see real accomplishments? If not, perhaps the goals weren't reachable, realistic or concrete enough.

Changing course is perfectly fine if your current goals aren't moving you in the right direction. What's not fine is standing still and waiting for your dreams to come to you.