Goal Setting Questions
Q. How hard should I make my goals?
People make goals throughout the day without really ever acknowledging it. For example, to get up, eat breakfast, get ready for work and be to work on time are each in themselves a goal. We do this on a subconcious level, however we really do not think of it as goal setting.
So how hard should your goals be for you? That is up to the individual. A goal can be as simple or as complex as one desires.
What we do recommend for any size goal if it seems to be quite big, is to break it down into smaller sub-goals. This will help prevent the evil procrastination from creeping up as it is easier in smaller doable or bit sized pieces. Remember, yard by yard is hard but inch by inch anything is a cinch.
Q. How do I know if my goal is a goal?
Remember that everything we do is a goal. From getting to work on time, to making it to our kids hockey game. We just do not classify it as a goal.
Don't worry if the goal seems small. As long as it is important to you, that is what matters! Do not let what other people say, think or do, get in the way either. If people do criticize you it is usually because they are jealous of the direction you are taking or the progress you are making. You want to be around people that encourage you and want to see you succeed.
Q. How long should it take to accomplish a goal?
Deadlines are a funny thing. When we set deadlines for completing projects or writing reports, what happens? For a good portion of the population they wait until the last possible minute to start working on it! But the strange thing is, it gets submitted on time!
For deadlines with goals we recommend having a deadline for every goal and also every step toward achieving that goal. That way consistent action is being taken toward achieving the goal and you are more likely to succeed without burning yourself out and with less stress!
So when setting a deadline for a goal it should be realistic enough that you can complete all the steps toward accomplishing the goal. If there is a step that you are not sure how long it is going to take, make a best guess. Sometimes it may even take less time then you thought. It is also ok if it takes longer. Here is some more information on if your goals take longer then expected.
Q. I seem to be hesitating (procrastinating) doing my action steps, help!?!
Lazy, don't feel like it, busy right now, watching tv all equal procrastination. Putting it off will not get you any closer to your goal. It will only prolong it and diminish your motivation. That we do not want!
The next time you catch yourself procrastinating, visualize your goal. Visualize how it will feel once you have completed this task and being that much closer toward achieving your goal.
Another thing is if the current step seems to big, break it down into smaller steps. That way you can accomplish more in less time, giving you a sense of accomplishment, which will boost your self-confidence and help keep you motivated toward achieving your goals and dreams.
Q. It is taking me longer than expected to reach my goal, why?
Perhaps you just needed a bit more time to accomplish it or some unforseen circumstance came up.
When setting a goal of say saving $500 dollars by the end of the month and at the end of the month a person has only saved $150 dollars, has the person failed? The answer is NO! Another way to look at it is if the person had not set the goal of saving $500 dollars would they have even saved the $150? The point being is to aim high. If you don't quite make it this time, it's still a success! Persistence is key, keeping aiming high and you will make it!
So remember that when you do not reach a goal by it's deadline, set a new deadline and perhaps brainstorm some new ways to help you achieve your goal.
Persistence is key!
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