As the end of the year nears, our thoughts can turn to what we have and haven't achieved, and we often consider setting new goals and making new year resolutions. However, by the time February starts, we can find ourselves needing help to maintain the motivation needed to follow through with these goals. In this article, we'll explore how to set SMART goals and how journalling can help you keep on track to achieving them.
What if you could set goals that inspire and motivate you to achieve even bigger and better ones?
Well, there are some simple and proven ways to accomplish this.
Set SMART Goals
Setting goals is easier than you think. Simply follow the SMART path, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
Be Specific - Don't generalise; be clear about achieving a particular skill or qualification.
Ensure they are Measurable - Establish a benchmark to determine when your goals have been achieved.
Ensure they are Attainable - Stay grounded. Set objectives that challenge you while remaining within reach.
Stay on Topic - Ensure that your objective aligns with your ultimate goal. Choose a goal that matches your existing skills and propels you in the right direction.
Stay on Schedule - Maintain your focus by setting a clear and specific deadline for reaching your goal.
So, for a goal to be SMART, it needs to be specific, not generalised.
Be clear about what you want to achieve.
Keep it measurable to track your progress.
Make sure they stretch you but are achievable, and set a deadline for completion.
Stay Focused and Keep Motivated!
When I first started to work towards my goals, I'd go all in for the big win.
But I'd lose motivation and give up when I didn't reach my goal.
I learnt that breaking your goals down into smaller, achievable stepping stones is really important.
Each time I completed a step, I felt happy, motivated and empowered to keep moving towards my target.
Sometimes, I learnt that the exact path I had in mind wouldn't work, so I learnt to become flexible, adapt, and accept that detours are a part of the journey towards goal completion.
I learned from these changes, and from overcoming new obstacles, I pushed past my self-limiting beliefs with renewed determination.
Keep a Lesson's Learned Journal
Keeping a lessons-learned journal helped me to process feedback.
By recording what I've learned daily, I found I could maximise my potential and gain insights into how to improve and grow.
Reflective Questioning
I started by writing down my thoughts and feelings about how the task had gone.
I reflected upon what went well and found it important also to process what didn't.
I learned to think more objectively about what I could do differently.
Thinking creatively and outside of the box was fundamental to my success.
Be honest with yourself and ask:
1. In what areas did I perform effectively?
2. How could I have approached things differently or more effectively?
3. Did I adequately prepare? If not, how could I better prepare going forward?
4. Were there any mistakes I made that I can avoid in the future? Would taking a training course improve a skill set?
Related Post: Leadership Traits and Developing a Growth Mindset
Visualise Your Goals
Having a vision when working towards a goal is important, and it can be easily attained.
Gather Your Materials: Get a corkboard, poster board, or even a digital platform. Collect images, quotes, and affirmations that represent your career goals.
Arrange and Personalise: Organise your vision board in a way that is appealing to you. Make it personal and uniquely yours.
Display and Reflect: Place your vision board in a prominent place where you'll see it daily. Take time to reflect on your goals and visualise reaching success.
In Conclusion
Improving a skill takes time, dedication, effort and continuous learning.
Reflecting also helps you to stay accountable and make adjustments where necessary.
Setting SMART goals and keeping a Lessons Learned Journal are among the best ways to shape your future and maximise your potential.
You can do this by recording what you learn from your daily experiences.
By reflecting on your successes and areas for improvement, you can avoid repeating past mistakes, find clarity, and take full advantage of opportunities for growth and career development.
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