What is a goal?
When you search on google "what is a goal" it comes out with the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. Basically, a goal is something you want to achieve but need to make the effort in order to achieve said goal. A goal, for example, can be earning enough money to get something physical or practicing something mental to achieve something you cannot touch with your hands.
Types of Goals
Short-term goals: A short-term goal is something you can see yourself achieving in the near future. This could be within the day, the week, or the month. These goals are seen as stairs to a bigger goal.
Long-term goals: A long-term goal is something achieved in a longer period of time. This could be a year to 5 years to 10 years. Normally the short-term goals you achieve set you up to achieve the long-term goal you set for yourself.
What are the steps to setting a goal?
Step 1: Think about the end "goal" you want to see. If you want to gain muscles, write that down. If you want to become a teacher, write that down. Essentially ask yourself what is it that I want to achieve.
Step 2: Create SMART goals and write them down.
S: Specific. You need to answer the 5 W's/1 H. Who, what, when, where, why, and how. Being more in depth with your details to these questions will allow you to get to exactly what it is you are trying to achieve.
M: Measurable. How will you know when you have met the goal? Is it something physical that you can hold in your hand? Is it a way of thinking where you automatically revert negative thoughts into positive ones? You need to be able to identify when the goal is met.
A: Attainable. Is this something that you are physically and mentally capable of achieving? You do not want to have a goal you cannot achieve. If you are trying to jump 50 feet in the air without anything to help you, this probably would not be an attainable goal. Try to set something you know you have the skills or knowledge to achieve.
R: Relevant. Does this goal align with any other broader goals? For example, I want to build leg muscles, this aligns with wanting to be able to become a base on the cheer squad. Is our goal helping a larger goal in your life? Does the result of this goal matter to any other goals? Will this goal be something you can continue to be proud of in a few years or will it be something you will forget about?
T: Time-bound. Is there a set time to achieve this goal? Are you trying to achieve this goal by a specfic date? You need to be able to create a deadline for this goal in order to achieve it.
Step 3: Create an action plan. You want to create a realistic timeline along with realistic milestones in order to achieve this goal. For example, if i want to build my leg muscles I will start going to the gym and lifting weights. I will choose leg workouts that will gain the muscles I want and I will gradually increase the reps with time. I will also set a timeline of 6 months so I know I have about 24 weeks to train. I will then plan the days I will go to the gym but also plan the days for rest and recuperation.
Step 4: Take action. This is where the fun part begins. You actually get to do things in order to achieve these goals you have set or youself. It is important to write down your goal somewhere that you will see it everyday. You will want to be able to maintain the motivation to achieve this goal.
Step 5 (if needed): Reassess your goal if you need to. If you were overzealous trying to achieve this goal and put too much on your plate, dial it back a little. Regression in trying to achieve a goal is normal. Create a new action plan and timeline that seems more realistic.
Achieving Goals
Motivation, motivation, motivation. This is important. You need to be able to maintain your motivation to achieve this goal and all other goals. If you cannot find the motivation to achieve a goal, you should reevaluate the goal and decide if it is something you are okay with trying to achieve and putting time into. If you find yourself not being able to put your heart into it, nix the goal and start over. Achieving your goals is one of the most rewarding things in life. I personally achieved the goal of graduating college after being in school for 6 years. I was able to see my growth as a student but also my growth on setting goals every week that were attainable.
Go out and set those goals and achieve them. You need to be your biggest supporter and your biggest fan when you achieve these. Even if it is something as simple as "I cleaned the house today", you achieved it and should be proud of yourself. Be proud of the things you achieve even if no one else is.
