If we make a beginning with the right mindset and approach, we can progress and make improvements in the identified areas of our life. We may think about making changes to bring improvements in different spheres of our lives, the setting of our goals for the year and thus focus on the key areas we need to, in order to accomplish our most important goals.

The setting of clear goals is essential for some fundamental reasons. The most important reason being that, without clearly defined goals we tend to lack focus and direction. It is only by the setting of specific and detailed goals that we have clarity on what we want to achieve and can go about achieving them in a systematic manner. Some important things to remember are that :

• GOALS MOTIVATE US TO TAKE ACTION – Goals influence and stimulate us to take action. By setting a goal we are creating a reason for ourselves to start working towards achieving it. Not only that, but we also have a clear road in our mind towards what we need to do and this prevents us from delaying or postponing the action.
• MEASURABLE GOALS ALLOW TRACKING – Setting measurable goals allows us to gauge our progress, as each step completed, motivates us to move forward towards the next step. Clearly defined goals also help to monitor progress and achieve the goal as it will help us to stay on track.

TYPES OF GOALS

Goals can be set for various areas and also timelines in our life. There are benefits for each category and type of goal.

1. SHORT-TERM GOALS : The goals you identify here should focus on those objectives which you should concentrate on and accomplish within a year. By doing so these goals provide you with a sense of achievement and progress. Achieving short-term goals also provide a sense of accomplishment and help to build confidence within you to undertake more challenging long-term goals. 
2. LONG-TERM GOALS : These goals should focus on objectives which span over a period of 1-3 years and should be in alignment with the broader vision of what you want to achieve in life. Long term goals help to provide the route to achieving the biggest ambitions and desires in our lives.

SMART GOAL SETTING 

By following the SMART goal-setting framework we are able to set high quality and practical goals for ourselves. We are in a position to ensure that the goals we set are clearly defined, can be tracked, are realistic and tied to a target date for completion. SMART stands for :

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Specific Goals = Goals should be defined in a clear, tangible and detailed manner. If unclear and generalized goals are framed, they will be unable to provide a clear direction and you may end up not achieving what you desired.

Measurable goals = Try to include figures to achieve, percentages etc which will indicate the progress and achievement of your goal. The measurements will make you responsible and provide benchmarks which are tied to your achievement.  

Achievable goals = Set goals which challenge you but are also realistic. Goals which are impossible to achieve will only cause anxiety and be set to fail, while goals that are too easy will only lead to a sense of complacency.

Relevant Goals = The goals you set should be aligned to your activities, interests and plans and are important for your future. By being relevant these goals will motivate you towards being focused and achieve accomplishment.

Time-Bound Goals = Ensure that the goals you set have a date or deadline attached to ensure completion in a timely manner. Timelines create a sense of urgency and spurs one towards action.

PRIORITIZE AND SELECT TO FOCUS

If you try to do too much you will end up achieving nothing. So, select a few primary goals to focus on which are important and related to the coming year and your future aims and concentrate on them. When setting your goals centre and pay attention to drafting clear and quality goals which will motivate and drive you towards achieving them. If possible also break them into smaller, short term parts to make them easier to manage and achieve.

Long term goals may seem to be unachievable and overwhelming and you may not feel confident at the beginning to work on them. The best strategy to adopt here is to break down such goals into smaller action-oriented steps and focus one step at a time. Segments defined should be weekly or on a monthly basis and completed one at a time.

ACTION PLAN / TRACKING TOOLS    

Having an action plan and tracking the actions defined is key to achieving your targets and goals. By identifying the relevant  actions you will need to take to accomplish your goals in a detailed manner and adhering to those, you will pre-determine the achievement on the goal.

Tracking goals and related actions will help monitor your progress and stay on the path identified. These could include a GANTT chart or a calendar with deadlines marked.

REVIEW

Goals need to be reviewed on a monthly or at least quarterly basis to ensure that you are on track and things are working as desired. Set dates for the reviewing of your goals and make any changes and adjustments if required.

ADAPT AND REFOCUS

In life we all come up against setbacks and disappointments which may cause failures. But be ready to accept them as challenges and be ready to, modify and change your goals/ plans as required. Some strategies may not work so we should always be prepared to change or adapt those as required to adjust to changing circumstances.

If things are not working, our level of motivation may also wane but keep up your energy and drive as being persistent is key to being successful. Relook at your goals, inspire yourself and be positive about your success. Also be flexible, adjust your plans, timelines and priorities as circumstances change.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that achieving your goals requires commitment and dedication as well as hard work. But the achievement of challenges and the satisfaction you will feel from accomplishing your goals makes the efforts you have put in very worth the while.

Remember “ Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do to guarantee your personal, professional and financial success. Goals are like a roadmap to your target destination. Each goal accomplished is another mile behind you on the way to where you want to be” – Mark Victor Hansen