Setting goals is often associated with successful people. According to Forbes, all successful people attempt to set goals that are S.M.A.R.T.--smart, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.
It's a new year which means you've probably set some resolutions. More often than not, people do not come close to meeting the goals they set at the beginning of the year. If you set some goals you'd like to achieve in 2015, take into consideration these 5 tips that should make your goals a reality.
1. Decide what you want to achieve
The first step to achieving goals is having them in the first place. Decide what you want to accomplish, whether that be a new job, continuing education, buying a house, traveling to a new country, etc., and own that goal. Your desire to reach the goal will ultimately determine if you actually succeed. By committing 100 percent to your goals and striving to achieve them at all costs, you will most likely meet your goals.
2. Be specific
Reachable goals are specific goals. For instance, "I want to lose 20 pounds this year" is a much more attainable goal than "I want to lose weight this year." When you quantify or qualify your goals, you are more likely to reach them. Breaking larger goals down into manageable smaller goals can help you accomplish more as well.
3. Tell someone about your goals
Even the most iron-willed of people do better when they are accountable to someone. Telling a friend about your goals and enlisting them as a supporter can be helpful when the going gets rough. It's easier to achieve something when you have someone to give you feedback, listen to your ups and downs, and cheer you on. Find someone to take on the journey with you!
4. Track your progress
When you measure your progress against your goal, it's easier to see how far you've come. Goals sometimes get discouraging as time wears on, especially when success seems so far off. Make a checklist of milestones that you can check-off as you accomplish them. For example, if you were doing a weight loss program, you might chart your weight loss to visualize your progress. Reinforcing your goal can motivate you to achieve it!
5. Revise your goals
Sometimes things don't go according to plan, especially when goals are involved. Revisit your goals often and revise as necessary. Things happen and being cognizant of external factors that might affect your goals is important.
Whatever your goals may be for 2015, at RGBSI we wish you the best of luck in achieving them!
