When we look at how we can be happier or how productive we have been, goal setting often comes up.
We can take a more traditional approach, decide what we really want, be really specific about it and write it down, put it where we can see it, and think about how we can make it real; set a deadline for our goal and make sure we allow a reasonable amount of time for it to happen.
There is considerable research showing that goal setting works as a way to get what what we want out of life.
How often do you check in with yourself and ask –
“have I made the progress I was hoping for?”
Have you set goals only to find that further down the track you’ve had to let them go?
We can set more powerful goals by using adjectives;
Let’s try this;
pick a goal,
imagine what your life would be like if you realized the goal you just identified.
What would it look like, and feel like?
use all your senses and create a detailed fantasy film in your mind.
Begin listing adjectives that describe how you feel in your dream-come-true scenario.
The magic number is three. Don’t stop until you have at least that many ways to describe those lovely feelings.
Find describing words like energetic, focused, delighted, and accomplished. It will help to write them down.
You may also like to consider how these three adjectives show up already in your life.
By putting your attention on those aspects of your life you can feel happier right now and this will help you create future situations that fulfill your true desires.
Using adjectives, helps to focus all your efforts on the quality of the experience you want to create.
“this process might be harder and a little different than “normal” goal setting—it requires some serious soul-searching and perhaps a good thesaurus—but it does pay off.”
Goal setting alone does not predict our success. We may have a good understanding of the importance of keeping goals SMART – that is making our goals:
specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and with a time frame,
We can come from the HEART, that is making goals
H-armonious, E-ngaging, A-spirational, R-efreshing, and T-ransformative, by aligning with those adjectives that will help us identify our true desires.
The other important part is to plan our goals, and make a MAP to help us reach them.
“Goal setting is crucial in making life changes – but its not enough.
The goal might be your destination but you need a map to get there.”
Lucy Hone
You need “will power” – that’s your motivation, self belief, and to be in tune with why the goal is meaningful to you.
And you need “Way power”
– the ability to find your way around obstacles, to navigate challenges and overcome set-backs.
*Be sure to check out next blog we will look explore this idea of Goal Planning.