Goal Setting 101
Goals. We all know we should set them, but are you actually doing it? Do you write them down? How many of the goals you set do you achieve? My goal with this article is for you to leave with a better understanding of how to position yourself for success via a goal-setting strategy.
Using the SMART Method
We’ll start by how you can apply the SMART method to your goals. Each of your goals should be “SMART” (standing for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Based).
An non-SMART goal:
I want to lose weight
A SMART goal:
I want to lose 1–2 pounds each week, for a total of 20 pounds by May 15th.
In the above example, we see the goal is specific (a total of 20 pounds), measurable (we’ll know when we’ve reached our goal), attainable (you possess the ability to lose 20 pounds), realistic (1–2 pounds a week is realistic), and time-based (completed by a certain date). This goal is easy to monitor because we have small steps (the 1–2 pounds a week) leading up to the larger goal (20 total pounds lost). We’ll know if we fall off track and we’re able to readjust to get back on course. I use the method in just about every goal I set. That lead me to my next point:
Limitations and Self-Imposed Barriers
As discussed above, goals should be attainable and realistic. That being said, there are times when you need to say, “Fuck attainable and realistic, I’m shooting for the stars on this one.” One of my favorite quotes from the Lone Survivor movie is, “Anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing, moderation is for cowards.” Are you setting goals that you know you will achieve with 100% certainty? If so, it’s probably too easy of a goal and you’re not pushing yourself to the level of what you’re truly capable of. You should be pushing the bounds of what’s comfortable on goals like this.
So when should you implement goals like this? This strategy can be applied to just about every goal that does not present increased health and safety concerns. Using this strategy to try and lose 10 pounds a week would be wrong (and certainly potentially harmful to your health). Using this strategy to make 100 sales calls in a week instead of 50 would be a much safer option. Don’t fall into the trap that because you made 50 sales calls each week for the past 3 years, that it’s not possible to do more than this.
The 80/20 Rule
Under the 80/20 rule, make 80% of your goals attainable and realistic. These goals can be small (running for 15 minutes today) or large (running a 5k or 10k). Accomplishing these goals on a regular basis will give you the confidence to tackle the goals under the remaining 20%. The 20% goals are the ones that push our comfort level and require dedication and determination. Sticking on the topic of running, you could make your 20% goal to run a full marathon by December. Completing a marathon may seem completely unachievable when you first set the goal, but I’m pretty sure if you told someone in 1920 that we would land on the moon they would’ve called you crazy. It’s good to be a little crazy sometimes.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Twitter for more news, videos, and info.
-JG
