In both life and work, people always have things they want to accomplish, so it is necessary to set goals to measure the success and timely completion of tasks. When it comes to how to effectively set and achieve goals, experts have shared some tips.
Associate professor and writer Shahram Heshmat from the University of Illinois Springfield in the United States shared in an article on Psychology Today that setting goals is the key to successful self-regulation and can help individuals make plans.
He mentioned that goals serve as a standard for individuals to evaluate how well they are doing compared to expectations. Goals fundamentally guide people’s choices. Once a goal is set, the challenging part is how to define the steps from the starting point to the endpoint.
He provided several guidelines for setting goals, which can help you set clear and achievable goals and reveal various reasons why goals may not be achieved:
(1) Have very specific goals in mind
Mastering a complex skill (such as playing a musical instrument) requires perseverance over several years, achieved through completing a series of specific goals. Each small success can boost confidence and motivation.
An important reason why goals may not be achieved is due to unclear definitions. Overly abstract goals may be challenging to execute (such as improving health or guitar playing skills).
Specific goals help monitor progress more effectively. The more specific the goal, the easier it is to achieve. Setting specific goals (such as writing three pages a day) is more motivating than urging people to do their best.
(2) Focus on fewer goals
Focusing on one goal is more conducive to self-discipline compared to setting two or more conflicting goals simultaneously. For example, setting goals to quit smoking and diet at the same time is meaningless.
The power of focus lies in effectively concentrating our energy on a specific goal, as the ancient Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Do one thing, and do it well.”
(3) Focus on incremental steps
An effective strategy for setting goals is to focus on smaller goals that are relatively easier to control. Concentrating on one step at a time can alleviate anxiety about achieving the larger goal. Smaller incremental goals can make you feel more in control, boost motivation, and potentially improve your results.
(4) Safeguard your goals
In the pursuit of goals, individuals should protect their most important goals from being interfered with by other goals. One method is to constantly remind yourself of the importance of the goal to prevent competing with other objectives.
(5) Abandon unrealistic goals
Goals should not only inspire you to progress but also be within your capabilities. You need to put in enough effort to make progress but not exert excessive effort to the point of being unsustainable. Achievable goals can help you maintain motivation and consistently move in the right direction.
(6) Set intrinsic goals
People who pursue goals based on autonomy (personal choice) have stronger intrinsic motivation and are not constrained by external pressure. Decisions made autonomously are less likely to lead to fatigue and enhance self-control. For example, people who diet based on personal reasons often succeed in weight loss more than those dieting due to external reasons.
(7) Be willing to sacrifice
Setting goals is easy, but achieving them is challenging. The real challenge lies in whether you are willing to accept the sacrifices (weighing the pros and cons) that inevitably come with achieving the goal. Setting goals is not only about choosing the rewards you want to enjoy but also about choosing the price you are willing to pay. As the saying goes, “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die.” Achieving a new goal requires significant effort.
American psychologist Mark Travers also shared in Psychology Today that understanding your motivations is the key to setting the right goals.
He mentioned that psychologists will tell you that there is a big difference between setting goals and setting the right goals. But how do you judge if the goals you set are correct? The following 5 questions can help you evaluate:
(1) Does anyone want me to achieve this goal? Or can I gain any benefits from others if I achieve it?
(2) Will I feel ashamed if I don’t achieve this goal?
(3) Do I really believe this is an important goal?
(4) Will this goal bring me joy and pleasure?
(5) Does this goal represent the real me and reflect what I value most in life?
If questions 3 to 5 describe your goals, then you are likely on the right path. If questions 1 and 2 align more with your actual situation, then you may need to adjust your direction.
A study published in 2020 indicated that mindful individuals, those who can live in the present moment continuously and non-judgmentally, are better at setting the right goals than others.