Goal Setting Made simple: Steps to achieve Your Dreams

Hey there!

Today, I’d like to share my experience and tips on how to set and achieve goals. I remember struggling with this myself, not knowing where to start. I kept everything in my mind, always trying to remember where I was going, what my goal was, and why

I was doing all this. But I often lost track of everything. I knew that goal setting was a powerful process when thinking about my ideal future and was a big motivator for me.

So, I needed to find a way to keep it constantly in my field of vision.

I recalled my vision board of life and started to create a specific board for my goals. It worked to some extent, but I still lost my sense of purpose. It all seemed very complicated, but my determination, curiosity, and perseverance drove me to solve this situation.

A coincidence of circumstances, an invitation to a fitness competition, and communication with my personal trainer gave me the opportunity to understand more deeply what goal setting and achieving goals are, and how to do it more efficiently. Finally, I began to understand where to start and what to do to make it all clear and productive.

Before you start your own goal setting, it’s very important to sit and think about your “Why.” Why do you want it? Only when you answer this does it all make sense. Your “Why” is your mission.

“Everything is as simple as finding your own sense of why to change something."

Setting goals is a powerful process for thinking about your future and for motivating yourself to turn vision into reality.

Here is my step-by-step guide to help you set effective goals, backed by the latest research:

Step 1: Define Your Vision

Before you start setting goals, you need to know what you want to achieve. Take some time to envision your ideal future. Ask yourself questions like:

-Why do I want it?

- What do I want to accomplish in the next week, month, year?

- Where do I see myself in five years?

- What kind of lifestyle do I want to lead?

Step 2:  Set SMART Goals

Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This method ensures your goals are clear and reachable.

•Specific: Be precise about what you want to achieve.

•Measurable: Quantify your goal to track progress.

•Achievable: Set a realistic goal.

•Relevant: Ensure your goal aligns with your broader objectives.

•Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency.

Example:

Instead of saying "I want to get fit," a SMART goal would be "I want to run a 5k in 30 minutes within six months."

Step 3: Break Down Your Goals

Large goals can be overwhelming. So break them into a smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to stay motivated and track progress.

- Identify the steps needed to achieve your goal.

- Prioritise these steps in a logical order.

- Set mini-deadlines for each task.

Example:

For the goal of running a 5k in 30 minutes:

1. Start a walking programme for the first two weeks.

2. Transition to a run-walk programme by week four.

3. Increase running intervals by week eight.

4. Run continuously for 30 minutes by week twelve.

Step 4: Create an Action Plan

Write down your goals and the steps to achieve them. An action plan helps you stay organised and committed.

- Use a journal or a digital tool to schedule tasks.

- Set reminders to stay on track.

- Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed.

Example: Schedule tasks for specific days and set weekly reminders to check progress.

I like to set reminders in my phone calendar so it notifies me.

Step 5: Stay Motivated and Accountable

Keeping your motivation high and staying accountable are crucial for goal achievement.

- Share your goals with family,friend or mentor.

- Join a group or community with similar interests.

- Reward yourself for milestones reached.

Example: Join a local running club or share your progress on social media for encouragement and accountability.

Step 6: Monitor Progress and Adjust

Regularly review your progress and be flexible with your plans.

- Track your progress weekly or monthly.

- Reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.

- Adjust your action plan if necessary.

Example: If you find running every day too strenuous, adjust to running every other day.

Step 7: Celebrate Achievements

Recognise and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This boosts your morale and keeps you motivated.

- Celebrate mini-milestones as well as the final goal.

- Reflect on your journey and the hard work you’ve put in.

Example: Treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes after reaching the halfway mark of your training programme.

“You are the greatest project you will ever work on!”

And don’t forget to share your achievements in the comments!

With Joy,

Eva.