Steps to Goal setting
Writing down your goals
Take a paper and a pen; find a quite place where you can work for a short while. Now divide the paper into 4 quadrants by drawing horizontal and vertical line. Write down your goals for work, life, career and family in the four quadrants. Make sure you write specific goals for each area. Vague goals which are not specific will not help the goals setting process. Specific goals will help you focus on the task at hand.
- Examine your goals:
In order to accomplish your goals, resources will be required. Now examine your goals and write down the amount of resources you think will be required to achieve your goals. If you are not sure about the exact number, just put what you think is justified and then consult somebody who is experienced and then amend the number.
- Set Milestones:
If one particular goal is large, then divide this goal into smaller milestones that are achievable with the resources.
- Allocation of Time:
Put beside each goal the amount of time which will be required to achieve the goal. Put some extra time when allocating the time required for unforeseen stoppages which might occur.
- Measure the Progress:
In order to track your progress on the assigned goal, the growth needs to be measured on an ongoing basis. Make sure the goal is measurable and you define the correct way to measure your progress. If you are satisfied with the work done so far according to the time line set then continue in the same direction. But if you feel that changes and adjustments need to be made then do so accordingly. Only by measuring progress on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis can you achieve success. Be mindful of the fact that adjustments will need to be made when required. After evaluating the progress and measuring it with the specified milestone, small and minor adjustments may be required from time to time.
- Accountability:
If the goal assigned is individual then measuring progress will be easy but incase the goal assigned depends upon other team members then each member must be held accountable. Only by involving all team members and keeping them motivated for success can you achieve your goals.
- Ask for Help:
In case of obstacles and setbacks that you might face in moving towards your goals, then don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family and trusted associates.
