This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through a link on my site, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More.
Get Ready To Set Life-Changing Goals!
How many goals have you already set for yourself?
I used to set many goals, writing them down and then from there I was ready to achieve them, or so I thought. What I had failed to do, was get clear on the steps I was going to take, to achieve them. I would just set a date for when I wanted them achieved by.
Repeatedly, I would reach my goals, but for the most part it would take me ages and I would just keep moving those dates forward. These were just sometimes, undefined thoughts left sitting in the subconscious more like daydreams than set goals with thought-out action steps. Even when they were written down, I was not clear. It was only when I started applying an actual formula and crafting meaningful life-changing goals, did I really start to see results.
If you want the secret sauce for moving forward and achieving your goals, keep reading…
If you are now ready to turn those daydreams into a reality, or to discover what change in goal setting steps could possibly change your life, and you are ready for your goal attainment, then these tips can aid in bringing them about faster.
Ready, Set, Goal…
1. Get CLEAR On What You Want To Change
If you could change just one aspect of your life, what would it be? Which area would you focus on? Your family, profession, business, or health?
Here is the simple secret: It doesn’t matter what area you choose; you simply need to figure out what area of your life you need and want to change. If things are not going “right” in your life, it could be one area which is holding you back and that is the very place you need to focus on, to start making changes. Look at all aspects of your life and be real honest with yourself about what is working and what is not.
2. Know The Reason Behind The Need For Change
Why do you want to change that area of your life? Take your time to really consider this. This is fundamentally your motivation. Take some time to think about all the benefits of changing this area of your life. You can revisit the list frequently, especially when motivation starts to decline.
3. Dream Big Then Dream Bigger
“SMART” goals are key. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant (or Realistic), and Time-bound goals should make up most of our goals. Even though SMART goals are key, do not fear dreaming BIG. Sometimes it takes a big goal to really encourage and inspire us. What may seem unrealistic now, might not be as far out of your reach as you think.
4. Write Down Those Goals
You cannot set proper goals without writing them down. Keeping your goal in your head, is only worth the paper it is written on. So, by simply writing your goals down it will differentiate you from the vast majority of people. Choose your goal and write it down. It is as simple as that. So go grab that pen and paper! This can be the difference between achieving your goals and not.
5. Chunk Down Those Goals
If you took the advice in Step 4, and you dared to dream big. That might have left you with a huge goal that may overwhelm you. The best way to deal with this is to break this larger goal down into smaller, more achievable goals. These smaller goals can be considered your Action Plan.
6. Set Deadlines
Every goal in your Action Plan should have a deadline (See SMART GOALS in point number 3). You don’t need to be brutal with yourself here, but you should be assertive, honest and realistic in setting them. Stop and have a chat with yourself, how much time can you realistically dedicate to the action steps.
If you find hitting deadlines a challenge in general, then consider building in a reward system. If you meet a goal by the deadline, reward yourself in some way, make sure it is positive and motivating.
7. Take Action
Achieving your goals comes down to you, not anybody else. Are you ready to not only set goals, but act upon them? Taking action towards your goal is the only way you will ever achieve that goal.
If you are struggling on where to start, choose the easiest task and start there. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Lao Tzu
8. Reflect and Adjust
There is real value in taking time to reflect on your goals. Setting these life-changing goals should be considered a fluid undertaking. Occasionally, you need to stop and think about what is working, and what isn’t working. You also need to check in with yourself to see if your wants/needs are still the same. Taking some time to reflect on your goals, and adjusting where needed will make sure you stay on course.
9. Don’t Stop
Did you reach your goal? Perhaps, you reached an obstacle or have come to a deadlock? Whatever the case; you keep going. Once you reach a goal, you set another one! If you get stuck on your goals, you either deal with the obstacle, or you move on to a new one. You can’t change your life overnight; it takes persistence and dedication.
Action Steps Towards Life-Changing Goals:
PONDER
Take time to think about all the areas of your life that could use a change. Remember there are no wrong answers, just set a timer for 5 minutes and write down everything that comes to your head, trust your intuition.
PLAN
Consider the list you made in the PONDER step. Figure out which area of your life would be the most rewarding to change right now. Write it down, and then list the reasons you want to change it.
PROCEED
Set your first life-changing goal! Remember to be specific. “I want to improve my writing skills.” is great, but “I commit to honing my writing skills by attending a monthly writing workshop and writing 500 words daily for the next six months.” is much more impactful, as it is specific, has actionable steps, and a clear time-frame. Once your goal is set, chunk it down and take action!
Wishing you all the best on your journey towards achieving your life-changing goals! May the strategies outlined above provide you with greater clarity and confidence as you pursue your dreams.