The Big 4 - Goal Setting
Goal setting
can help motivate
as well as
provide direction.
It gives the brain information
to help control the stress response.
The key to goal setting is to break tasks down into manageable pieces. Instead of focusing on the long term goal or outcome goal, focus on the smaller process goals or short term steps to achieve the long term outcome.
While goal setting may come easily to some, others struggle a great deal.
How do I decide the right scope for my goals? (How big? How many?)
Remember, goals are intended to focus attention and resources on what is most important so that you can be successful in achieving your priorities.
Common types of goals:
- Increase something
- Make something
- Improve something
- Reduce something
- Save something
- Develop someone (yourself)
Where to start?
- Start by thinking about your life and the broad areas (or “buckets”) of responsibility and results for which you are accountable.
- Develop a goal statement for each bucket. To get the scope right, remember to focus on end results not tasks.
- Goals should be high level enough to encompass the core outcomes for which you are responsible, but specific and clear enough so you will be able to measure success.
- Goals should be on-going activities, any new projects, assignments, priorities, or initiatives that are specific to you.
- Having too many goals can be an indicator that your goals are scoped at too low a level and are focused more on tasks than on end results.
- If it seems that your goals are becoming too numerous and task-oriented, it may be helpful to consider combining several goal statements into a broader outcome area.
The SMART model
S
Specific
Goals must include a specific behaviour that you adopt.
You cannot make goals for others.
The action must focus around you.
M
Measurable
You have to be able to measure progress.
If you can’t measure it then how do you know when you’ve achieved it?
A
Attainable
Goals must be attainable and possible to achieve.
R
Relevant
Goals need to be relevant and motivate you;
they must be either desirable or necessary.
You must either want it or need it.
T
Time-bound
You need to know when you will achieve the goal.
It is helpful to break each step down into manageable chunks.
