10 tips to help you set better goals
Setting the right goals is essential to achieving success. Without goals, it's easy to become sidetracked and end up going nowhere.
A goal gives you something to strive for. It gives you a sense of purpose and keeps you motivated. Having a goal also helps you to measure your progress and see how far you've come.
There are a few things to keep in mind when setting goals:
1. Make sure your goals are specific.
It's not enough to say you want to "study" or "learn something." You need to set a specific goal, such as "learning to speak Japanese" or "starting a podcast."
2. Make sure your goals are actually worthwhile.
Make sure the goals you set for yourself are actually worth your time. A great method is to come up with alternative goals you could be working towards, and weigh their benefits up against each other.
In economics, this concept is called opportunity cost.
3. Make sure your goals are challenging.
If your goals are too easy, you're not likely to achieve them. You need to set goals that will push you outside your comfort zone.
4. Make sure your goals are measurable.
It's important to be able to track your progress. If your goal is to "lose weight," make sure you also set a number, such as "lose 10 pounds."
5. Make sure your goals have a deadline.
If you don't set a deadline, it's easy to keep putting off your goal. Make sure you select a date by which you want to achieve your goal.
6. Make sure your goals are written down.
It's been shown that people are more likely to achieve their goals if they write them down. So, make sure you put your goals in writing.
7. Make sure your goals are shared.
Telling others about your goals makes you more accountable and more likely to achieve them.
But do not share them in a way that will set you up to receive premature praise. Recent studies have shown that this will make it less likely for you actually to achieve them.
8. Make sure your goals are reviewed.
It's important to periodically review your goals to ensure they're still relevant. Make sure you revisit your goals on a regular basis.
9. Make sure your goals are flexible.
Things change, and goals need to change with them. Be willing to adjust your goals as needed.
10. Make sure your goals are achievable.
The most important thing is to make sure your goals are achievable. If your goals are unrealistic, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. So, make sure your goals are achievable, and you'll be on your way to achieving success.