Setting and Accomplishing Goals

Steps on How To Set Goals

• First Step: Choose a realistic goal. Focus on goals that are realistic and that you have control over. If we have no control over something then we are setting an unrealistic expectation and therefore set ourselves up for failure.

• Second Step: Make your goal observable and measurable. If they are not, then we tend to get overwhelmed with trying to figure out what the goal is or we continually change it and never really set the actual goal. We get lost in the process of setting the goal, rather than working on steps to actually achieve the goal. This leads us to step #3.

• Third Step: Define the goal in small steps. It is very helpful to write down the goal and each step that you will do to achieve this goal. Not only does this make it real, it helps you concentrate on the second step above and it helps achieve step #4.

• Fourth Step: Set a realistic time line for each step and the overall goal. Write it out!

• Fifth Step: Monitor your progress. By writing down each step you can check it off and measure your progress. This makes you accountable as well as keeps you encouraged to reach the overall goal because you are focussing on the positive of what you have achieved, rather than the negative of what you have not achieved.

REMEMBER, realistic baby steps are all you need to make changes in your life and to keep your goals!

- Put each item away when it is in your hand rather than putting it in a to do pile.

- Put things in writing to make them concrete for yourself.

- Don't overwhelm yourself with huge to do lists. Limit yourself to 3 items per day. You will be much more effective and feel a sense of accomplishment instead of hopelessness or overwhelm.
- Make and follow through with one goal at a time not 10 at a time.

Life is not a dress rehearsal, Live for Today!