What do athletes, successful business-people and a-grade achievers all have in common? They’re goal setters, turned goal getters! I’ve waxed lyrical the importance of goals once or twice before (if you missed it, catch it here), but after a weekend of goal-smashing that’s left me on a sky-high endorphin high, I thought what better time to reignite the conversation in the hope that it will inspire you to set one or two of your own…
The first thing to note is that each and every one of our goals are going to be painstakingly different, so never EVER compare yourself. Having a goal is great, but if you don’t have a strategy to go with it, how do you expect to go from just believing to actually achieving? Whether it’s a career goal, fitness goal, financial goal or health goal, the secret is turning that long term-vision into stints of short-term motivation… Here’s now!
Make your goal a SMART one
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. So instead of saying “I want my arms to be stronger” or “I want to get a new job” rephrase it and say “I want to be able to do 20 unassisted push-ups on my toes in 4 months” or “I want to get promoted from Deputy Editor to Editor in the next year”.
Set yourself a time frame
A goal is just a dream with a deadline, so setting yourself a measurable time frame is a crucial step in turning something you WANT to do into something you WILL do. Be reasonable and realistic with this one, if your goal is to buy a house then don’t set yourself up for automatic failure by only giving yourself 6 months.
Share it with someone
This doesn’t mean you have to declare it on Facebook or post a memo in the staff room, but telling someone you trust is one of the easiest ways to help hold yourself fully accountable. Whether it’s your boyfriend, your bestie, your mum or a colleague, this person will support and encourage you in any way they can… particularly on those days you’re lacking a little oomph in the motivation station.
Celebrate your progress
No matter how small it might seem to you (2 push-ups up on your pb, $100 extra in the Europe fund), progress is progress and it means you’re one step closer than you were yesterday – a win in itself. Remember success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey and you should enjoy every step of the way.
Accept the fact that there will be obstacles
Because there definitely will be, but who wants a life that goes according to plan anyway? Yawwwwwwwwn. Obstacles are what keeps life interesting, and they’re even what keep us from plateauing. It’s inevitable that some months will incur more expenses than others, which might temporarily halt your savings, or the marathon you’re training for might kink your neck and put you on the sideline for a few days. But what happens after a set back? The opportunity for an even better come back!
Remember, when it comes to smashing a goal, the toughest opponent is usually the one inside your own head…