Simple Strategies for Effective Goal Setting

Setting goals builds the foundations to catapult you towards growth and success. Achieving these goals could open up a wealth of opportunities. 

However, people often get stuck in limbo between the setting and achieving stages. Understanding what you want to achieve is only the first step. Discover these four simple strategies for effective goal setting, to turn dreaming into achieving.

Align your goals with your core values 
Establishing goals based on your core values will ignite an inner drive for you to achieve them as they align with your truth. This makes it easier to accomplish them, and as an added benefit, they also help you reach your goals faster.

According to a study published in the Journal of Management, staying motivated and persevering will be much easier if you dedicate yourself to goals you strongly believe in and strive to achieve.

Begin by identifying your goals and decide whether they are worth pursuing, according to the organization Action for Happiness. You can do this by jotting down any desires that come to mind and mindfully scanning through each to weigh up their value in them. 

If your goals align with your values, you’re more likely to succeed. It will help if you view your goals in light of your values, which are the underlying principles that you believe are important in your life. If your goals align with those values, the goal-setting process will be truly fulfilling. 

Attach actionable steps to your goals 
Looking at the bigger picture invites you to see yourself at the end goal of what you want to achieve. However, it’s the mini milestones along the way that will take you there.

Working towards a goal consciously increases your chances of achieving it by 25 percent, according to Forbes, Many people have found great motivation through conscious goal setting, and you could too. 

Looking at the bigger picture invites you to see yourself at the end goal of what you want to achieve. However, it’s the mini milestones along the way that will take you there.

Practice visualization 
Visualization is a powerful tool for planning and achieving long-term goals, according to MindTools. The sky’s the limit here, so dream big! You can apply visualization to many aspects of life, and effective goal setting is one of them. 

No matter which goal you’re dreaming of, close your eyes and imagine yourself succeeding. Seeing success in your mind builds self-confidence and helps you achieve your goals. If your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to the visual focus. Practicing this discipline trains your brain and body to be action-oriented and geared towards attaining your goal.

Hold yourself accountable
Accountability is key. You may have heard this phrase over and over, but science backs it up! People are more likely to succeed if they are accountable, according to research by Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia.

By sharing your goals with friends or family members, you can count on them to check in with you to ensure you’re on the right track. By taking that step to commit to another person, you not only have yourself to prove by achieving your goals, but you’ll also have loving support from those around you. 

Keeping these simple strategies in mind when setting your goals can lead to great growth and evolution. There’s no stopping you!