My approach to goal setting

Most people are goal oriented and strive to tick off yet another goal on their list. But reality is different and many struggle to hit the original aims, give up early or don’t remember any by the year end. Contrary to the norm I do not want to lead my life based on rigid framework an always strive to have certain degree of flexibility. However having some plan is always a good idea and I have spend considerable amount of time trying to find the best way to keep on track with achievements and plans.

From my experience: Failure to achieve goals is caused by being unable to write things down effectively and measure results.

Many things didn’t work — apps, goal tracking software, to do lists etc. Finally after spending time reviewing strategies by other people, I have developed my own ‘goal setting strategy’.

From my own experience: Most software solution/apps are not effective for effective goal setting.

Several months ago I have come across a publication by Ryan Allis who is a chairman of Hive and founder of iContact. In his impressive 1000+ slides presentation titled ‘Lessons from my 20s’ he laid out everything he learned in his twenties on life, entrepreneurship, and the world.

Flipping through his work I have become fascinated by his approach to goal setting and further investigation revealed that one of the keys to stick to your goals/resolutions it to make them visible and easy to measure/track. Blending my and his approach I have developed my own system which is now hanging from my bedroom wall, my office and in my backpack.

From my own experience: Find your own solution by blending several approaches.

The system that I have develop consists of two A4 pages, one for ‘career goals 2015', and another for ‘personal goals 2015'. On each sheet I wrote goals that are broken down in easy to complete tasks. After each goal and task I placed a target date for completion. Once this was all done I printed three copies of each sheet and places them in various places to constantly remind me what should I be doing instead, every time I play another ‘Game of Thrones’ episode.

To download a template of my plan click here.

Main points:

• Make two sheets for career and personal goals
• Limit to 3–4 goals for each category
• Break down each goal in easy to manage and smaller tasks
• Write a completion date after each goal and task.
• Highlight every time you complete a task/goal
• Print 3 copies and place them on your office and bedroom wall.
• Think about small rewards after each goal is complete

Happy Goal Setting!

If you have a better plan/approach I would like to hear of it in the comments below.