Setting Attainable Goals

I have a mountain of goals I wish to accomplish. The list is constantly morphing and growing, yet rarely gets shorter. I realize now that it's challenging to get things done when I don't know where to start. I have spent some time studying how to set attainable goals, and this is what I've come up with (a mix of ideas from The Thrive Life by Thomas Winterman and my own).

First of all, this works best for goals you've wanted for a while but find yourself struggling to complete. I wouldn't use this method for an ordinary to do list, like wash the dishes, grocery shop, etc. Those things will get done eventually. These steps are for managing goals your heart desires, such as learning to play the piano, eat healthier, learn Spanish, or take new steps in your business. If you have a long list of goals like these, these steps are for you.

1. Cross off or change goals that are not in your control.

 (ex. Have a better marriage------> change to be a better spouse).

2. Cross off any duplicates, or that can be completed by achieving another goal.

3. Reframe/state goals positively.

(ex.  To lose weight------> change to become more healthy

 Quit arguing with my kids-------> have a healthy relationship with my kids)

4. Now we need to examine your level of commitment to these goals. Rate your goals from 1- 4. 1 - being the lowest- "I don't want to do this”, 2 meaning “I’ll try”, 3 meaning “I’ll do my best” and 4 meaning "I will do whatever it takes”. Be honest about how motivated you are to achieve these goals. It’s okay if a lot of them are labeled with a 1 or 2 right now. For example, if one of your goals is to eat local food, but you still find yourself going to the supermarket instead of the farmer’s market, then this goal should be labeled 1. If you constantly daydream about decluttering your home if only you had the time, then label this with a 3 or 4.

5. Circle the goals numbered with a three or four.These are the goals you are motivated about the most. They’re the goals you will do more willingly, and these are the goals you should focus on first. This does not mean you will never achieve the other goals, but it’s easier to implement one or two goals at a time instead of trying to achieve them all at once.  Very much like when we chose one mini-goal in the Importance of Habits blogpost last month. Also, if you achieve the easier ones first, then you’ll be energized for the more difficult ones later.

6. If you have more than one or two goals listed as a 3 or 4, then take some time now to number them in order of priority. You’ll want to start with the first one or two goal.

7. After completing these steps, if you're still struggling to finish the first goal on your new list, then remember to "eat that frog!" This idea, of doing the most difficult thing first, is from Brian Tracy's book, Eat That Frog. This means to complete or "eat" the toughest thing on your list first. Every day. Then the rest of your day should be a breeze. 

So remember, goals are personal and sometimes complicated things. If you're truly committed to reaching them, then these steps will help you get there. Take the time to list your goals, change any that are not in your control, make sure their positive, rate them by your level of commitment, and start with the highest priority one. Do one at a time, and have fun crossing them off when completed. Good luck!

Co-Written by Teresa Hancock and Angela Hancock.

Resources: The Thrive Life by Thomas Winterman

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy