Goal Setting
What do you want to do?
Last year, my husband and I wanted to hike from the Eiger to the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
We set this goal to see a part of Europe we had never visited. Having a goal helped us stay motivated to hike 200 miles. It kept us oriented toward a shared purpose and created indelible meanings for our travels in Switzerland. We followed a realistic plan, which broke our goal into manageable daily routes. As we finished each day’s hike, we gained the confidence to forge ahead, especially when the trail got tough. When a high mountain pass was closed due to snow, we adjusted our route. Here are some tips for goal setting:
Set SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Be realistic about limits and build on strengths. Unrealistic goals can lead to discouragement, but avoid underestimating what you can accomplish.
Choose goals aligned with your vision for yourself or your organization. Aligning goals with values and your long-term vision for yourself or your organization increases the likelihood of success and empowerment.
Write down goals. Writing down goals can increase the chances of achieving them. Start each goal with "I/We will" and use positive language.
Create a plan: Outline action steps to achieve goals.
Adjust the plan: Regularly review progress to ensure that actions align with goals and your vision for yourself or your organization.
Set daily, weekly, and monthly targets: Breaking down goals into smaller targets can help you focus on the most important actions and avoid procrastination.
Be accountable: Schedule your tasks and share your goals with an accountability partner to help you stay on track.
Recognize and reward yourself: Celebrate meeting a goal.
When we reached the Matterhorn, we celebrated with a special fondu dinner in Zermatt.
With thoughtful planning and strategic action, achieving a goal is like climbing a mountain and having fondu on the other side. So good!
Need help with goal setting or action planning? Contact me at https://www.debrahollowayphd.com. I’m eager to talk with you!