Goal setting can make a real difference when it comes to achieving your dreams, providing motivation to continuously improve yourself.
When goal setting, it is important to think about what you want to achieve, dream big because anything is possible no matter how cliche that sounds. As well as dreaming big, you have to be in the right frame of mind, constantly focused and ready to be consistent. Consistency is key. The only person who can change your life is you, so get ready to start your goal setting journey and be ready to accept positivity.
A popular method for achieving your objectives is by using the SMART Method. This is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Based.
Specific
This means your goal must be well thought out and documented. For example; if your goal is to grow your business you need to write down what you want your business to look like, and constantly visualise this in your head. Goal setting is very similar to manifesting.
Measurable
Make sure your goal is measurable. A goal in which you can’t track progress is one that you could struggle to achieve. Measuring your progress will help you to stay motivated and focused.
Attainable
Make sure your goal is realistic. That doesn’t mean you should stop dreaming big but start with a smaller goal, one that you know for sure is achievable if you put your mind to it. Take small steps and once you have achieved one goal, it’s time to work towards the bigger ones.
Relevant
Goals need to be relevant to you. Nobody else but you. Make sure that your goals are tailored to you and to where you want to be, otherwise you won’t be able to stay consistently focused.
Time Based
In the same way as being measurable, make sure you have set a realistic time frame to achieve your goals. This keeps you on your toes and encourages greater productivity. You can increase your likelihood of achieving your goals by up to 70% with a time frame in place.
Visualisation
Start with your why. Why do you want to achieve a specific goal? Will it better your life? Will it allow you more financial freedom or stability? It can be anything.
What does success look like to you? Success means different things to different people. This can be being successful at a certain skill, within a certain career or just simply being successful at life, achieving all your goals. Write down what it means to you to affirm your reasons for wanting to obtain your goal.
Write down your goals, all of them and read them once a day. Keep them at the forefront of your mind and visualise them. You will get there. Then write down steps to get there, as if they were instructions to a recipe. You can then follow them and each day you will take baby steps towards getting what you want.
Whatever you want to achieve in life, you can do it. Anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Start that new business! Travel to your dream destination! Make a better life for yourself!
Posted by Abbie Holcroft, Community & Service Assistant at Headspace
Image courtesy of Press Association