Effective Goal Setting
The difference between a dream and a goal: Dreams are visions of what you want to achieve or who you want to be. Goals are clear, specific and measurable and they have a deadline.
A goal is a written statement that clearly describes certain specific actions or tasks with a measurable end result and a clear deadline.
To make a goal real and tangible, it must be written. This will serve as a reminder to you and others of what you intend to accomplish. It also serves as a point of reference for you to monitor and evaluate as you progress. Making goals public also increases your commitment to the goal.
Goals must be specific. By clearly defining your goal, you eliminate any possible misunderstanding as to what needs to be accomplished.
In order to improve or to track your progress, your goal must be measurable. This ensures that it will be clear once that goal has been accomplished. If you can’t measure a goal, chances are it will not be met, or you won’t even know when you’ve met it.
Every goal must have a clear deadline. This will encourage a sense of urgency and give more clarity to what needs to be accomplished.
Why are goals important?
- Goals motivate you to work towards something
- Goals make you accountable
- Goals challenge you to be your best
- Goals increases your pride and confidence when they have been completed
- Goals help improve and correct deficiencies in performance