Goal setting
I find that when we have significant goals we want to accomplish, these can often times feel daunting. We have these major dreams and wants but have no idea how to get there. This deludes us into thinking we can't achieve them and we talk ourselves out of the project altogether.We don’t even start which means we never achieve what we really want. My goal today is to help you start and achieve your goals by breaking them down into bite size pieces and ensuring your success.
Firstly, we need to know what motivates us. Having both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is crucial for a well-rounded and sustainable approach to pursuing our goals. Intrinsic motivation, driven by personal enjoyment and passion, ensures long-term commitment and adaptability. Extrinsic motivation, involving external rewards or consequences, provides direction and can boost performance, particularly in goal-oriented situations. The combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation enhances overall well-being, creativity, and success, offering a balanced and comprehensive approach to achieving objectives. Ask yourself the following questions:
How do I enjoy spending my time?
Does this activity set my soul on fire? Ie. Is it your passion?
What specifically about that activity brings joy?
Do I want to better myself in this activity? This can be in any form imaginable.
Is this activity funded by intrinsicn or extrinsic motivation? Both?
For example, you may find that spending time with family is important, it’s a passion and this brings significant joy. You want to spend more time with family and its both intrinsically and extriniscally motivated as it benefits all involved. If you have an activity that you love to do, you want to improve yourself in and it’s both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated, then half the battle is won.
I listened to a really brilliant podcast by Davidn Roberts called Purpose with people. He has an episode called “Supercharge SMART goals to make them Exciting, Scary and Transformational”. It’s a really informative listen and will absolutely help you focus and narrate your goals for the year. Its great that he released it at the start of 2024 as it will help us all pursue our 2024 goals with purpose and passion. Once you’ve had a listen, follow the below steps to really solidify your goal pursuit this year:
Define Clear Objectives:
Clearly articulate what you want to achieve. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals provide a structured framework.
Understand Your "Why":
Identify the underlying motivations and reasons for pursuing a particular goal. Understanding the significance of a goal enhances commitment and resilience.
Break Down Large Goals:
If a goal is substantial, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the goal more achievable and allows for incremental progress.
Prioritize Goals:
If you have multiple goals, prioritize them based on importance, urgency, or their alignment with your broader objectives.
Set Realistic and Challenging Targets:
Goals should be realistic and achievable, but they should also challenge you to grow. Striking a balance between realism and ambition is crucial for sustained motivation.
Create a Timeline:
Establish a timeline for achieving your goals. This adds a sense of urgency and helps you track progress. Regularly review and adjust timelines if necessary.
Identify Potential Obstacles:
Anticipate challenges and obstacles that might arise. Develop strategies to overcome them, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Seek Support:
Share your goals with supportive friends, family, or mentors. Their encouragement and feedback can be valuable, and they may provide assistance when needed.
Monitor Progress:
Regularly assess your progress toward your goals. Celebrate small victories and adjust your approach if needed. Keep track of what is working and what needs modification.
Stay Flexible:
Be open to adjusting your goals as circumstances change. Life is dynamic, and flexibility is essential for adapting to new opportunities or challenges.
Visualize Success:
Create a mental image of yourself achieving your goals. Visualization can enhance motivation and focus, helping you stay committed to your objectives.
Celebrate Achievements:
Acknowledge and celebrate milestones along the way. Recognizing your accomplishments reinforces a positive mindset and encourages continued effort.
Learn from Setbacks:
If setbacks occur, view them as learning opportunities. Assess what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and use the experience to grow stronger.
Goal setting is a dynamic and ongoing process. Regularly revisit your goals, refine them based on changing circumstances, and set new objectives as you achieve previous ones. The process of goal setting is not only about reaching specific destinations but also about personal growth and development along the journey.
