How do you set an achievable goal?

We often set goals without asking ourselves whether they are achievable. If you want to give yourself the best chance of success, check that your goal meets the following criteria:

• It must be formulated positively – saying, for example, ‘I want to quit smoking’ is not a positively phrased goal. It is better to say what you want instead. For example, ‘I want to do more sport’.

• It must be specific – phrasing your goal in too general a way will complicate your task. A goal like ‘I want to be a good dad’ is a very commendable goal but difficult to achieve (what does a good dad do?). An easier goal is to say, ‘I want to spend more time with my children.’ ."

• It is entirely within my control – a goal that depends on external factors is difficult to control. Make sure you can achieve your goal without the help of others.

• In what context is it applicable? What is its context? - In what situations can you take action to achieve your list? Make a list of all the contexts in which your goal plays a role.

• How will I know when I have achieved the desired result? (verifiable – testable – measurable) – How will you know when you have achieved your goal? Is your goal measurable? How will you feel when you have achieved your goal and where will you feel it?

• Is the goal ecological? – Is your goal achievable given how you have organised your life? It is admirable to want to reduce your carbon footprint, but if you have to drive to work every day, you will find it difficult to achieve your goal.

• What is the price to pay? – Choosing also means giving something up, so if you try to achieve your goal, what will you no longer be able to do or achieve?

• What resources do I have available? – What resources do you need to achieve your goal? What resources do you have? What resources do you need to ask someone else to help you with?

• What is the purpose of the goal? – Is your goal part of a bigger dream (or goal)? Spending more time with someone can be part of a bigger goal, such as being a good partner, father, friend, etc.

• Is it consistent with my mission? – What is your mission? What image do you want to convey? How do you want to be remembered?

• Does the goal address the real problem? – Will the problem disappear if we achieve the goal, or will it solve part of the problem?

Would you like to discuss this further? Contact me on 0493 37 25 25 or send me a message via the website: www.purelanguageandcoaching.be