- They support you to live an exciting, fulfilling and meaningful life.
- They give you something to focus on and work towards.
- They help you identify what you want and what’s most important to you.
- They show you where you’re going and how much progress you’re making.
- They inform major decisions in your life and give you a North Star to stay grounded.
- They provide direction in your life and clarity in decision-making.
- They drive motivation and inspiration.
- They accelerate your accomplishments and provides a sense of satisfaction.
That’s why I make a habit of setting goals regularly and encourage my clients to do the same. In fact, for as long as I can remember, my husband and I sit down at the beginning of the year to set goals and intentions for the year ahead. When the kids became old enough to participate, they started joining us for this important ritual.
Goals have power. Even if you have no idea how you’re going to achieve them, you know what you want to achieve, and this sets you up to find a way.
Think about the last time you had a clear, compelling goal. How did you feel? What impact did that have on your happiness, energy, and success?
So, if you’re feeling stuck, bored or unmotivated; or you’re looking for ways to accelerate your success and experience more fulfillment in all areas of your life, it’s time to start creating goals.
People have been setting goals since the dawn of time. Then, the theory of goal setting was brought into the mainstream by Edwin A. Locke in the mid-1960s[1] and the first publication of SMART goals was released in 1981 in an issue of Management Review.[2] We’ve been obsessed with setting goals ever since.
I’ve been wondering, what could I possibly tell you about goal-setting that’s not already been shared in the almost three billion resources you have at your fingertips? Absolutely nothing. I’d like to say I have some new methodology or innovative pearl of wisdom to share. But I don’t.
The problem is not that there isn’t enough content or information out there about goal-setting. The problem is that we read articles, scroll through social media, listen to podcasts, watch videos on YouTube and then don’t take any action forward.
It’s not enough to know goals are important or how to set a goal. You must identify your own goals, write them down and take action towards them.
As a corporate trainer, coach and consultant, I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how much knowledge or information someone has. In order to take their learning to the next level, they must apply it. That’s where the real value comes in.
So today, rather than give you more content, I’m going to walk you through a process.
My goal? That you take the time to walk through this process yourself and when you finish this article, you’ll have at least one goal that supports you to live the life of your dreams.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to setting and achieving a goal in life:
Grab a pencil and paper, or open the notes on your phone and get ready to take action.
Step 1: Pick an Area of Your Life That Is Important to You.
Think of a part of your life where you’d like to have more success or greater satisfaction. Focus on an area you feel is lacking and you’d like to make a change or improvement. This might include your career, finances, business, spirituality, personal growth, health, family, relationships, social life or attitude.
Check out the wheel of life below if you need some help. On a scale of 1-10, rate your current level of satisfaction in each area
