For many of us, the new year is a time to reflect on the successes and near misses of the past 12 months and to look ahead to what we hope to achieve in the future. Goal setting is often an unfamiliar and daunting task to the uninitiated and so we are here to help with our latest tips! Step 1 – Decide and describe what you want
In this step you need to decide on your overall goal and then think about your reasons for wanting to achieve this. Through doing this, you will better understand your own motivations and will be able to refer back to these when things seem tough. Step 2 – Write your overall goal
This step at first seems simple, but to truly take ownership of your goal you must include three key elements: “The Person”: it is essential that you use words such “I”, “Me” or “My” in your goal. This will help you connect with your goal throughout your journey and assist in keeping you motivated. “The Activity”: you must identify what it is you wish to achieve. Try to make this as specific as possible to your desired outcome. “The Context/Environment”: it is helpful to identify the situation in which your goal will arrive at completion. Whether it be a daily task or a specific event, identifying this will help to maintain focus and will be useful in both assessing your progress and visualizing your success! Step 3 – Make it bite-sized
Break your overall goal down in to short-term goals that will act as stepping stones towards your target. Remember to regularly assess your progress and don’t be afraid to be flexible if necessary. Above all remember to keep your goals SMART and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Relevant
T = Time-bound