Goal Setting
“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal."
I love this quote by Elbert Hubbard and I think goal setting is a very powerful tool that we can use in all areas of our lives. It gives us long term vision and short term motivation.
Indeed research has shown that people who use goal setting effectively suffer from less stress and anxiety, have more self confidence and are happier and more satisfied with their lives.
Most people set goals for self improvement (changing bad habits, being healthier etc.) improving relationships, improve productivity at work and to achieve something in the bigger picture of life. Setting goals can also be an important step in the recovery from mental illness.
There are as many different goals as there are human activities. Goals can be short, long or medium term and can be individual or collective.
People often confuse values and goals, but in reality they are quite different. Values represent what is important in life and tend to be constant, they cannot be completed or finished. Goals tend to be specific and achievable, and they can be ticked off and completed. Goals are successful when they are based on our values. For example if family relationships are important to you, some related goals could be to spend a regular night out with a partner.
So, if you're ready to set yourself some goals, then take the time to read my simple guidelines to ensure your goals are effective and achievable...
Effective Goal setting:
Ensure your goals are SMART (specific, measurable, action orientated, realistic, and time orientated)
Be precise: include dates, times and amounts so that achievement can be measured
Set priorities; don't make so many goals that you become overwhelmed, direct your attention to the most important goals.
Create small sub goals - if a goal is too large, it can seem that you are not making progress towards it. Make small sub goals and give yourself a reward when you achieve them.
Set goals at the right level: ensure goals are slightly out of your immediate grasp but not so far that there is no hope for reaching them.
Set performance goals rather than outcome goals; i.e. set goals in which you have as much control as possible. Goals based on outcome are vulnerable to failure because of things which are beyond your control (such as bad weather or injury)
Be positive; a well formed goal should be stated in the positive.
Sometimes we all need a little help in achieving our goals, Hypnotherapy could give you that helping hand in achieving your goals if you need it.
