Motivation to achieve comes from having a clear target, developing a burning desire, creating an action plan, and allocating the resources to make the goal a reality. Goals that are too easy to achieve do not motivate. Goals that are not achievable de-motivate. Goals that cause the person to “stretch” are goals that motivate.
Whether we like it or not, goal setting is an integral and important aspect of all our lives. For some of us, this is a conscious process, however for many others it is an unconscious act that has very little direction or purpose. Some people may even be surprised to learn that they are actually setting goals on a daily basis. If you reflect back on your day, you will realize that you are actually setting and achieving an immeasurable amount of goals as you progress throughout your day. Some are relatively small and seemingly insignificant such as deciding what you will eat for lunch, while others are more important and relevant to your future endeavors.
Fundamental Rules of SMART Goal Setting
There are specific and fundamental rules to goal setting that are essential to understand before you move through the goal setting process. These rules will help to build the motivating foundations that will inspire and move you forward with a greater sense of purpose and clarity. It is easy to overlook these rules and not give them the attention that they deserve. Please do not neglect them. Your future fulfillment is dependent on this decision.
The following is a list of some of the essential rules that you must follow when setting and laying out your personal goals.
- Positively Written
- Having Personal Benefit
- Preserves Current Life Benefit
- Desirable
- Challenging
- In Everyone’s Interest.
The S.M.A.R.T.. goal setting process provides a little further clarity about the important aspects that you must focus on when setting and writing out your goals and objectives
Specific
Your goals must be specific. This means that you must point out with clarity and detail exactly what it is that you would like to achieve. The more detail the better. Here you are determining the WHAT part. The HOW part is a work in progress that you will develop at a later time.
Measurable
Your goals must be measurable. Spend time to develop a process that you will use to measure your progress towards the attainment of your objectives.
Attainable
Your goals must be attainable. Essentially you must believe that you can achieve your goals. If you have no belief backing up the goals you set, than your goals are nothing more than a fleeting wish and dream that you will long for without ever attaining your objectives.
Realistic/Relevant
Your goals must be realistic. This means that logically – given your time, money, resources and level of skill – that you will be able to achieve these goals successfully. If any of these is lacking, than you either need to improve your time, financial situation, skills and resources, or simply set a different set of goals.
Timed
Your goals must be timed. You must set a deadline for the achievement of your goals and objectives. Without setting a clear deadlines, you are essentially growing the seeds of procrastination within your mind. Don’t fall into this trap
Final Thoughts
“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” ~ Fitzhugh Dodson
Whether we like it or not, goal setting is undoubtedly a critical and fundamentally important aspect of all our lives. Without it, we will tend to be pulled by the seas and winds of change that will take us down unexpected currents – that may very well lead to many years of misery and unhappiness. However, if we choose to take control of the sails and harness the power of the winds to direct us towards a destination of our own choosing; than our futures may very well provide a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction the world over.
I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you have any further thoughts, ideas, reflections or suggestions about this topic, than please feel free to comment below.
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