Goals are such a simple concept. Perhaps this is why it is so hard to achieve them…because we don’t give them the respect they deserve. Goals are versatile. You can use them for anything. Structured and well-thought-out goals can be a driving force behind your accomplishments. In this post, I’ll share the main parts to crafting good goals.
The first step to setting up solid goals is to think about what you want to achieve. This seems like a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised. In my 20 years working with people in setting and achieving goals, everyone wants to jump right in to what they are going to do. But before we go there, we need to think about what we want to achieve. What will be better or different at the end? Why is what we’re going to do important? What is the end result we’re trying to reach? Getting clarity on what you want to accomplish or achieve will make setting your goals so much easier. So, take some time to reflect on what it is that you want. What will be different, what is the great change you should see on the other side of the goal?
The second main goal-setting strategy is to think about and set up your goal components in SMART form. This means that your goal must be Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Now, before you get started, I recommend thinking about your accomplishments no further than a year in advance. Ideally, you should set up goal plans in 90-day chunks. The shorter term is much more motivating and less overwhelming than longer periods. It is much easier to stay focused for 90 days than 365. So, think about where you want to be in a year, and then back-map it in four 90-day increments so that you’re making constant progress.
Back to the SMART format.
Specific
Be clear about what you want to accomplish. Answer the common questions: Who, What, Where, Why, and How. This should include at least a mention of the means by which you will accomplish your goal.
Measureable
Find a way to put a number on what you want to achieve. This makes it much easier to know when you have succeeded in reaching your goal. In fact, one of my best strategies for making a goal measurable is to ask, “At what point will we feel successful?” Also think about what metrics or evidence sources you will use to prove your accomplishment.
Achievable
This does not mean set your goals low so you’re sure to reach them. Achievable means that your goals are within your control. Don’t set goals that are contingent upon someone or something outside your control. Your goals should be challenging, but should also make sense for your current situation. You can absolutely go big if you want to, but In my opinion, it is better to set – and achieve – multiple, smaller goals over time that lead to bigger results than to set one super-impressive goal that is harder to reach. Take that big goal and break it down into smaller, more manageable goals.
Relevant
Your goal needs to fit your context and be supported by, and supportive of, other aspects of your business or personal plans. In other words, all your goals and plans should be coordinated, working together to get where you want to go. Your goals shouldn’t take you off on different tangents that distract you from your main focus.
Time-bound
What is your deadline for achieving this goal? Having a deadline – and more importantly sticking to it – will create urgency and keep you moving forward. Keep this timeline in mind when you’re thinking about how achievable the outcome is. Can you realistically reach your outcome by this deadline? If not, think about whether the timeline or the target needs to change.
Getting clear on what you expect to achieve and how and when you expect to achieve it can keep you focused on your growth. The process of setting up goals in this way can also help you clarify for yourself what you really want and what you mean by your goals.
So we just covered my formula for successful goals: reflection and clarity on what you actually want to achieve and using the SMART goal format. Once you have a solid goal in place, the next step is to specify your strategies and action plans that will lead you directly toward your outcome. My free simple goal plan should help you get your plan organized.
Need help designing or refining a goal? Share it in the comments below or send me an email!
Related posts: 3 Reasons We Don’t Achieve Goals – and What to Do About Them
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