We’ve all been there at some stage, creating ourselves a wish list of goals to achieve. Most of us find around the New Year that we have some serious intent for sticking to resolutions (which are actually just regular old goals).
When it comes to goal setting, however, what a lot of people fail to consider is making them truly tangible. When you set goals they really do need to be smart.
And by smart, we mean S.M.A.R.T.
They have to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic or Relevant, and Timely.
If you don’t set a goal with those parameters clearly defined, you are setting yourself up for failure before you have even started.
Then, you need to have a productivity system in place that works for you to make this happen.
So if you have established some S.M.A.R.T. goals, good for you! Read on to find our four ways to make sure that you don’t get caught up or caught out along the road to success.
This is what you need to do if you want to stay on track. This is what you need to have in your personal productivity system arsenal if you want to stay on track.
1. Have a few goals, not many
If you decide to try and tackle too many things at once, not only is it overwhelming, but it can set you up to fail because you’re spinning too many plates at once. Try and cut to the most relevant and important goals that will have the highest impact.
Being able to zero in on these key goals will give you laser focus and help pinpoint where you need to direct your energy.
2. Keep a diary
One of the most frustrating aspects of working towards goals is not seeing or realizing how far you’ve really come when things feel like they are falling apart or floundering.
By documenting your starting parameters for the measurable facet of your goal, and making daily notations, you will see and can then acknowledge progress.
Even when the progress day by day feels minute, it’s the big picture that can help elevate the process and realign your productivity.
3. Reward milestones
Inching towards success can feel like a marathon, but having goalposts towards your goals will help reinforce the ‘why’ you’re doing it in the first place. Reinforce your commitment by allowing yourself to treat yourself however you see fit for reaching milestones along the way.
This is a great way to keep you on track and push you to keep the productivity levels high.
4. Manage expectations
It could be that you thought you made a S.M.A.R.T. goal, but sometimes we need to re-evaluate. Assess the reality of what you are trying to achieve and recalibrate if you must.
There is no point in pushing ceaselessly towards an unrealistic goal that wasn’t realistic to start with. Occasionally we don’t realize what is or isn’t realistic for some goals until we’re in the middle of them and there is no harm in making an adjustment.
Accomplishing goals are hugely rewarding endeavours and putting a productivity system in place makes it plausible and tangible.
Taking these tips into account to make sure you stay on track when striving to achieve your goals will ensure you set yourself up to be productive and succeed.
