Make this year the best yet with this Easy 5 Step Process for Goal Setting. Learn the important tips for setting goals that actually work!
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The Easy 5 Step Process for Goal Setting
The Basics of Goal Setting
Goal setting is critical for achieving what you want in life. I truly believe this. From the simple to the big, goal setting can help you reach or exceed your dreams. Whether it be starting your own blog or saving for your family vacation, goals are what drives the engine to make it happen.
Raise your hand if you set goals? Most of you probably have your hand up. But the key is the next step to setting goals and actually achieving them, and probably the most critical to making them a reality – Writing them down on paper or a chalkboard. I’m a personal fan of the chalkboard method…it’s almost magic how it brings goals to life!
Hummm, which path will you take? If you’re up for it, let’s walk through the easy 5-step Process for Goal Setting.
Easy 5 Step Process for Goal Setting
It’s best if you can determine your priorities and then start setting goals that align with those priorities. For example, if your priority is more family time, then your goal might be “working no more than 20 hours a week”.
1. Set goals that motivate you
Your goals need to mean something to you. Not your husband or kids, you. They need to be something that you’re actually motivated to accomplish. Don’t go overboard. 5-7 goals are plenty to focus on and a manageable number to track.
2. Set Smart goals
Maybe you’ve heard of SMART goals. Maybe not, but they’re the best criteria you can start with when setting your goals. The acronym means:
Specific – Set goals that identify exactly what you want to accomplish. Don’t be too broad.
bad example – Write an eBook.
good example – I will write an eBook for moms by the end of January that helps them organize their homes.
Measurable – How can you measure your progress? How will you know if you’re on track? Numbers are important here.
bad example – Save for our family vacation.
good example – Save $2000 for our family vacation by June.
Actionable – It’s best to start with an action verb and not be wishy-washy.
bad example – Be more consistent with meal planning.
good example – Plan a week’s worth of meals every Sunday.
Realistic – Can your goal actually be achieved? You want to stretch yourself, but also make it something that you can actually do. I like to set the bar high, but not so high that I’d never achieve it.
bad example – Be on dancing with the stars.
good example – Learn to ballroom dance by Christmas.
Time Bound – A goal without a date is just a dream. If you really want to accomplish your goals you need to give yourself a deadline.
bad example – Lose 10 pounds.
good example – Lose 10 pounds by March 15.
3. Put Goals in Writing
Research proves that people who write down their goals accomplish significantly more than those who don’t. So grab a cute journal or use the chalkboard method to visualize your goals as I do. Just make sure you write them down!
4. Make an action plan
A plan can help you focus on the steps it’ll take to reach your goal. This will help you feel more in control and less all over the place.
5. Stick to it!
This can be the hard part. Life can often get in the way and your goals fall to the wayside. Don’t let that happen! Check-in with yourself either weekly or monthly. Are you staying on track? Is there something you could be doing differently so that you’re more successful? Put the check-in on your task list so you are more likely to actually do it!
Grab Your FREE Goal Setting Worksheet
The practice of goal-setting is not just helpful, it’s the best way to bring more happiness into your life. So, grab your free goal setting worksheet above and start brainstorming your goals…and don’t forget to write them down or use the Chalkboard Method (it’s like a vision board) so you can actually achieve them!
You’ve got this! Let me know your goals and how you plan to achieve them!
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Mike says
Hi Erin! I did read this last month and made some notes then. Today I came back to it to see how I progressed over 1 month. I would give myself a grade of D. So, I need work harder towards my goals, set them much smaller to start and stay focused on one small goal at a time! I printed out this post btw, my friend! Despite the incredible love I have for your food it’s one of my favorite posts of yours. 🙂 🙂
Erin says
Oh, no, a D! That’s not good! Hopefully breaking your goals into smaller chunks will help. Also, are you are writing them down and staying focused on them? I am reading The 12-week year: Get more done is 12 weeks than you do in 12 months http://amzn.to/2kkIx8y. You might like it as well 🙂
Nikki says
Erin, these are some great goals and I wish you the best in achieving them all. I know that you have it in you to achieve every single one of these. I have lots of goals in my head, I need to do better about writing them down and setting a time limit. Can you lend me the time that I need so I can get it done? LOL I will be putting this on my to-do list!
Erin says
Thanks, Nikki! I’ve taken the time to set goal, got them on my chalkboard and I’m ready for the year! Definitely get your goals down on paper. I think this makes all the difference as to whether they come true or not. I wish you all the best in 2017! Cheers.