Making things happen is really all about setting goals, creating a plan, and executing it. That’s truly the only way to make a vision more than just a fleeting dream. But it’s something that can easily evade most people if they don’t apply themselves to the task. In truth, learning how to set goals effectively can be a tricky task. It’s not always as easy as simply determining what you want to do.
But there’s also something humbling and deeply satisfying about the entire process. From the initial stages where your goal is a mere spark, to the finale where you realize you can actually do it, there’s so much to savor. Here’s how to set those goals — and why it’s so important to your life.
Goal Setting Starts With Realism
You have to be honest with yourself before doing anything else. If you live in a small town and your goal is to move to Europe by the end of the week… Well, it’s unlikely to happen unless it’s a practical option for you at that very moment. But if you would ultimately love to move abroad by the end of the year, there are actionable steps you can take to reach that point within months.
The bottom line is that establishing lofty goals — those that might sound great on paper but seem a little too overarching and high-reaching for your current state — can leave you feeling disappointed. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have dreams. Dreams are what keep you going, but it’s the small achievements and realized goals that help you arrive where you truly want to be. That means creating a list of real, meaningful, and valuable goals can really make a difference in how you view your life and feel about yourself and your accomplishments.
Choosing Goals That Make Sense
So what’s the best way to set sensible goals? It begins with a careful examination of your life. What is it that you truly need? What would benefit you most? Where do you feel you would be happiest? What areas of your life could use improvement, and how could you reach that point? For some, losing weight is a major goal. For others, it’s quitting their current job and landing a more suitable position in their industry of choice. And still, others might want to save more money this year so they can finally feel more financially secure.
Whatever the goal, it pays to think about how goals can be advantageous. Not all goals are “fun” — some are just practical and designed to make your life better, which in turn can help you improve in other ways. Those end results might not always be obvious, either. It could simply be that achieving a goal helps you feel better about yourself. And that’s a huge step that can pay off enormously with time.
How to Create an Action Plan
The secret rests in your action plan. To make it happen, it’s best to start with a concrete visual aid. You can jot your ideas down in a notepad, for example, and keep it by your side as a constant reminder of where you’re headed. If your goal is to become more organized and focused, investing in a planner could be an instrumental first step in the right direction.
Then, create more specific steps that can help you work toward achieving the goal. For example, determine a time frame to accomplish what you want. If your goal is a bit larger, then break down your next steps into a series of moves that will help you get there. Do your research — show yourself how serious you are by committing your time and energy to the process.
That’s where the true secret lies. It’s in your ability to be entirely dedicated to reaching your goal(s). As you make progress, cross items off your to-do list one by one. You’ll feel great about your accomplishments, and encouraged to continue pushing toward your other goals.
Zazzle’s Lifestyle Expert is here to help create life’s best & most important moments. Discover unique ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family, friends and your community.
