How to Set Goals for Yourself: A Basic Guide

Are you someone who sets concrete goals? If so, you’re setting yourself up for success.

According to a Harvard Business Study, people who set goals are ten times more likely to see their dreams to fruition. Taking the time to identify and work towards your aspirations makes all the difference.

To help you understand exactly how to set goals, we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to work towards achieving your dreams.

Let’s take a look at how to make dreams a reality through goal setting.

Visualize What You Want

The first thing you’ll want to do is visualize exactly what it is you want. Make sure that the goals you have belong to you and no one else.

Can you see yourself pouring hours and hours into achieving them? Are you certain the goals you have are things you truly want?

If so, you can move onto the next step.

Create SMART Goals

Instead of creating lofty and unspecific goals, like “make $1 million” or “be happy”, practice setting SMART goals. SMART stands for:

  • Specific: Don’t be vague—use specific details and numbers
  • Measurable: Ensure that you can track your progress towards achieving the goal
  • Attainable: Make sure your goals are challenging, but not impossible
  • Realistic: Know what you’re capable of
  • Timely: Set deadlines and timestamps

Setting SMART goals can help you get what you want.

Write Everything Down

Writing things down is one of the best ways to solidify information inside our brains. Goals are no different.

Take the time to write things out and put them somewhere you see them, like on your desk. Each time you see your goals, they then motivate you to work towards achieving them.

You can also try manifesting or writing down positive affirmations to motivate you.

Create an Action Plan

Having goals is one thing, achieving them is something else.

Creating an action plan is one of the best ways to ensure that your goals become reality. Try creating a timeline with detailed steps that explains exactly how you’re going to get to where you want to be.

Modify When Necessary 

Life doesn’t always allow you to see plans to fruition. When that happens, be prepared to modify your action plan.

Take a look at all the factors affecting your ability to achieve your goals. If something is different than it was a few weeks or months back, modify your plan to represent the change.

Understand How to Set Goals

Whether you want to advance in your career or transform your social life, the best way to achieve your aspirations is by setting concrete goals. However, you want to make sure you go about doing that in the right way.

Use this guide to help you better understand how to set goals. By following the points mentioned in this guide, you’ll have no difficulty making your dreams a reality.

Are you looking to learn more about the goal-setting process? If so, make sure to check out the rest of our site for more great content.