Goal Setting Best Practices: Tips and Tricks to Crush Any Goal

Introduction

It's that time of year again when we all make those dreadful New Year's Resolutions that no one really sticks to. Setting goals is a fundamental step towards success in both personal and professional spheres. It's not just about identifying what you want to achieve, but also how you plan to get there. I’ve been using this process for the past 4 years in what I call the annual “Crush It List”. This has helped me get in the MBA program of my dreams and start crushing half marathons.

1. Start with Clear, Specific Goals

The first step in effective goal setting is to be as specific as possible. Instead of vague aspirations like “I want to be successful,” define what success looks like to you. For instance, “I want to increase my professional network by 30% in the next six months” is a clear and measurable goal. Instead of “I want to lose 10 lbs”, change it to “I’m going to work out 3 times a week for at least 45 minutes”.

2. Make Your Goals Measurable

A goal without a measurable outcome is like a sports game without a scoreboard (this is only acceptable in beer pong). Assigning specific metrics to your goals makes it easier to track progress and know when you’ve achieved them. Ask yourself questions like, “How much?” or “How many?” to quantify your goals.

3. Set Realistic and Achievable Goals

While it’s important to aim high, your goals should also be realistic and achievable. Setting impossible goals only leads to frustration and disappointment. I usually set some challenging goals that I can achieve so that I can get quick wins under my belt to keep me motivated especially if it’s expected to last the entire year.

For instance, in 2023, I set a annual goal to run 350 miles, turns out I was going to hit this goal midway through the year so I increased it to 650 miles however I did sacrifice my annual biking mileage goal of 2500 miles. I always set 2-3 aspirational or stretch goals to keep things challenging.

4. Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Steps

Large goals can often feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only makes it easier to start working towards them but also provides a clear roadmap and frequent moments of achievement along the way. Eventually these become routine and a part of your schedule making them achievable.

5. Set Time-Bound Goals

Assigning deadlines to your goals creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent procrastination. Whether it’s a short-term goal for the week or a long-term goal for the year, having a clear timeline helps keep you focused and on track.

6. Write Down Your Goals

Putting your goals in writing makes them real and tangible. Use a journal, digital document, or a goal-setting app to record your goals. This also helps in reviewing and revising them regularly.

7. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Goals

Life is dynamic, and so should be your goals. Regularly review your goals to see if they align with your current situation and priorities. Don’t hesitate to adjust them as needed but don’t sell yourself short.

8. Celebrate Your Achievements

Don’t wait until you’ve reached your final goal to celebrate. Acknowledge and reward yourself for the small victories along the way. This not only boosts your morale but also reinforces your motivation.

9. Seek Support and Accountability

Share your goals with a mentor, friend, or a support group who can offer guidance, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Sometimes, external support can be a powerful motivator. I’ve always told my team that they can use me as their accountability buddy any time.

10. Mix Approach and Avoidance Based Goals

Approach based goals motivate you with positives to overcome challenges and move you towards the goals. Avoidance based goals on the other-hand, use negatives as a way to positively motivate yourself to change which moves you away from the goal.

Approach-Based Goals

1. Health Improvement: Aim to run a half-marathon in six months by training regularly, which involves improving endurance and physical fitness.
2. Career Advancement: Strive to gain a promotion at work by enhancing skills, taking on more responsibilities, and actively engaging in professional development activities.
3. Personal Development: Work towards learning a new language to enhance communication abilities and cultural understanding, setting specific milestones like completing a language course or practicing daily.

Avoidance-Based Goals

1. Health Prevention: Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and other related health issues.
2. Financial Security: Cut down on unnecessary expenses to prevent going into debt, focusing on saving and budgeting effectively.
3. Stress Reduction: Steer clear of high-stress situations and manage time more efficiently to avoid burnout and maintain mental health.

Conclusion

Goal setting is not just about identifying what you wish to achieve; it’s about setting a path to make it happen. By following these best practices, you can create a focused, actionable plan that guides you towards your dreams. Remember, the journey towards achieving a goal might actually be more important than hitting the goal itself. Learn from it, grow from it and plan to crush it next year.