In almost all circumstances, thorough planning before action will generally create better outcomes. This couldn’t be truer in goal setting.
Using the ‘SMART’ template (strategic, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound), your goals will have context, structure, and direction. Taking the time to consider your goals in line with these parameters will ensure that you get the best out of yourself.
One challenge with goal setting is that it goes against how your brain naturally works. Past research shows that your brain inherently wants to prioritize and choose routine over novelty every time on its own.
When trying to change a behaviour, brain circuits for habitual and goal-directed action battle it out for control. Therefore, any goals that require radical behavioural or thinking-pattern changes are going to be met with resistance initially.
SMART Goals
Specific
Start with stating the objective you wish to meet, as specifically as possible. If your goal is to more confident around your peers, setting the goal ‘be less anxious at work’ is much more effective than simply saying you want to be more confident.
Measurable
Adding quantifiable or measurable criteria to your goal will allow you to measure progress as you work towards achieving your goal.
Consider creative methods of tracking your progress. If you want to reduce stress, keeping a tally of how many times you get upset every day is a practical measure.
Attainable
Choose a goal that you are confident you can reach, but that will challenge you to follow through with smaller, more attainable actions required to achieve it.
Relevant
If you don’t actually care about the goal, you are unlikely to work on it. The goal should be inspiring enough that it motivates you to succeed. If you are not determined to meet your goal, obstacles will be very difficult to overcome.
Time based
When will you achieve your goal? You need to choose a time that is realistic but not too far off into the future.
