When a new year comes, many set goals for themselves. Unfortunately, one study found that approximately 80% of people’s New Years’ resolutions failed by February. Not very good! When we search for success in life, it is important to set sound goals. So how does one go about setting effective goals to set themselves up for success? This blog post is designed to help individuals set effective goals, which is critical to overall success and health. Having a proper and effective goal planning process is something every person, couple, family, etc. should do.
SMART Goal setting
One method is using the SMART method. Goals need to be specific to you, you need to be able to measure them, be attainable and achievable, realistic and timely. Even if it is a short-term goal like adding $500 to your emergency savings, using this method can often be effective.
- Specific-be specific and clear about what it is that you want
- Measurable-any goal in order to be successful needs a way to be measured. Consider using metrics or some target
- Attainable-it is something that is realistic and within the scope of what you’re capable of. Don’t set yourself up for failure by making a goal that is not realistic.
- Relevant-does the goal make sense to you in the broader picture?
- Time Bound-when do you want it by? Be specific!
Approach vs Avoidance
If you want to set effective goals, the concept of approach vs avoidance goals needs to be considered. There is quite a bit of research out there on the topic. Approach goals are ones in which the stated objective is to move towards a desired outcome, for example “I will increase my maximum bench press weight to 280 pounds”, “I will be more talkative in social situations”, or “I will graduate from college with an A average”. Avoidance goals, in contrast, are ones in which the stated objective is to move away from an undesired state.
For example, “I will not eat snacks before going to bed”; “I want to stop being so shy at parties”; “I will stop procrastinating on my thesis writing”. Some examples below:
1. Avoidance goal: “I want to stop being late for work”. Possible approach phrasing: “I will be on time for work every day”.
2. Avoidance goal: “I want to stop watching so much TV”. Possible approach phrasing: “I will read for an hour each day”.
The important thing with goal setting is similar to budgeting. It is a plan and important to review regularly, but like any budget or plan, you have to execute in order to achieve it.
Give these a methods a try and let me know what you think!
