Goal Setting Made Successful

Happy New Year!  You know what’s coming next. It’s the question you may have answered 10 times already in the last two days. What is your new year’s resolution?

I prefer setting goals over resolutions, although many people consider that to be the same thing. The difference for me is that goals have specific action plans, short-term milestones and measurable outcomes. For example, if I want to lose weight, I’ll choose a specific number of pounds I want to lose, make a specific plan for how I will lose it, divide that goal into months or quarters, track my progress regularly and celebrate my victories. And that’s the abbreviated version. I don’t just “resolve” to lose weight. I make a plan that will help me be successful.

If you really want to make some changes in 2013, here are some tips for setting goals which can actually lead to success.

1. Set realistic goals you can achieve. You will not be successful if you set yourself up to fail. For example, if you have $20,000 in credit card debt and you can barely ends meet as it is, becoming debt-free by the end of the year may not be possible – even with a consolidation loan. Research consolidation options, take an honest look at your budget and decide how much you can spend each paycheck toward paying down your debt. It may be that you aim for $5,000 this year.

2. Step outside your comfort zone, but comfortably. Change requires doing something different. Doing something different is often uncomfortable. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, but do it in baby steps. If you’re afraid of heights, jumping off the high diving board may be a little extreme. You might start by climbing the ladder a few times, then actually standing on the board, then gradually inching your way to the edge before you jump.

3. Limit the number of goals you set at one time. The brain can only handle so much change at one time. To truly be successful, set your sights on two or three goals at the most. As you achieve one, you can add another, but give yourself time to truly focus on your goals and the adjustments those goals will require you to make.

4. Write your goals down, carry them with you and share them with others. The best way to keep yourself accountable is to put yourself out there. Tell the people in your life what you want to accomplish. Post your goals in prominent places in your home, office and car. Read them daily and live them.

5. Set intermediate milestones and celebrate your progress. Intermediate milestones help keep you on track. Celebrate the baby steps to the bigger picture.

Have you heard the definition of insanity? It’s doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If you want to change, you have to do something different. Good luck with whatever you set out to accomplish this year.