I once heard it said that you can't get anything done in a world without rules.
While this is true in a broader sense, I like to say that an individual can't get anything done without setting their own rules.
Since rules need to be followed and discipline must be developed in order to follow the rules we set for ourselves, I equate this rule setting activity to the process of goal setting.
A rule in its most basic form is actually a goal that we strive to achieve. We do not always follow the rules, even though that is the goal and this is evident by the number of penal institutions we have in North America and the number of otherwise good people who are incarcerated for petty crimes each year.
Many cases ofpoor goal settingand non-conformance to the rules go unnoticed every day and those people who are responsible for the errant actions end up living with the guilt of not having lived up to their own internal expectations. Most people could avoid this kind of disappointment in life if they only had better information in their hands on thecharacteristics of good goal setting.
Should you decide that yourgoal setting skillsare not up to par and you would like to improve your methods and corresponding results, the following list may be helpful. Good goals must be:
Specific Goals
Before deciding on any goal make sure to take some time to think about what you really want. The more specific you can be when defining your goal, the better. For example, if your goal is to have a new car, make sure to define for yourself exactly what make and model of car you want. What color will it be? What options will it have? Being as specific as possible about every little detail will make the goal more real to you.
Attainable Goals
Although it is good to aim high, some goals are so big that they need to be broken down into smaller, more manageable goals. If you have a goal in your mind that you think you will never be able to achieve, divide it into smaller steps that don't seem quite so intimidating and can be undertaken one at a time. Track your progress in achieving the smaller goals that will lead you to your original goal.
Written Goals
If you have a goal that is not written down then it is not really a goal. Take the time to write down any goal you have serious aspirations of achieving. We tend to forget about things we do not write down because of our busy schedules, so by writing your goals down, you will have a better chance of following through.
Visible Goals
Once you have made a written list of all the goals you would like to accomplish, make sure to put the list in a highly visible place where you will see it each day. I recommend making multiple copies of your goal list and putting a copy in each room of your house. Put the list on mirrors, on your fridge, by your computer and in any other high traffic area of your home where you are sure to see it each day. One of the most inventive places to place your goal list is on the toilet seat, or directly across from the toilet.
Time Sensitive Goals
A goal is not a goal unless you set a specific time period within which the goal must be accomplished. Being as detailed as possible in describing your goals is not enough on its own. If you do not set a deadline for achieving a goal, you will procrastinate and most likely never complete your task. So instead of saying you will lose 20 lbs, say you will lose 20 lbs in 5 weeks, or whatever time period you choose.
Planned Goals
You can have every intention of accomplishing multiple tasks and have set time periods within which to achieve them, but it is highly unlikely that you will succeed without a plan. For each goal you intend to accomplish, make up a list of activities that if implemented, will bring your goal closer to fruition. Then, make sure to complete the smaller activities at set intervals in order to see the eventual completion of your goal.
Researched Goals
If you have set goals that require expertise that falls outside your areas of knowledge, then you have two choices. Either seek out the information you need to become better informed about the topic at hand, or find someone else who knows what you need to know and pick their brain for ideas. You can even hire someone with a specific area of knowledge if necessary. Henry Ford was once brought to trial by his peers and accused of incompetence. He responded by saying that it was not necessary for him to know how to do things that he could hire others to do for him.
Emotional Goals
When deciding to chase any goal, it is best to have an emotional reason for doing so. Particularly in cases where we need to motivate ourselves to complete tasks that we find undesirable, emotion helps us to maintain our focus and follow through on our commitments. Instead of focusing on the tasks that need to be completed for your goal to be realized, keep your mind on whyyou want to accomplish your goal and its fulfillment will seem to happen effortlessly.
Supported Goals
If you are trying hard to accomplish any goal, it never hurts to have a great support system around you. If necessary, get rid of negative people and influences in your life that do not support you or further your advancement towards your goals. We become like the people we hang around with and I for one would prefer to only hang around with positive people with a can-do attitude.
Broadcast Goals
One of the best ways to see any goal through to completion or attainment is by shooting your mouth off about what you intend to do. We tend to become lazy when we are only accountable to ourselves, but develop a keener sense of urgency when accountable to others. Tell as many people as possible what your intentions are. Brag about what you intend to do. Speak out loud to yourself in the mirror too. I have found that it is easier to live with a goal attained than to live with the shame of having bragged about what I intended to do while actually accomplishing nothing.
To summarize,10 characteristics of good goal settingcan be found in goals that are specific, attainable, written, visible, time sensitive, planned, researched, emotional, supported and broadcast. If you have anything in your life that you have meant to accomplish but have not made any headway on in some time, apply the principles mentioned above and get the feeling of guilt off your back for good. Apply these10 characteristics of good goal settingto any area of life that seems to be mired in the mud of procrastination and quick results are sure to follow.
