News and Media

Participant Stories: “Goal Setting”

1/2/2020

By John Gannon

For the beginning of the year, it is a good idea to identify and set goals for the new year. Goals need to be SMART. That is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based. Specific means you clarify exactly what you want to achieve, and not be vague or too general. Measurable means how will you measure it or what is the result when it has been achieved. Achievable means it has to be possible, likely and a good chance of being achieved. It will not work if your goal is too much of a jump from where you are. To start with, the goal needs to be believable to you, and not too difficult. Relevant means making sure the goal works for you, and you are the right person to achieve that goal. Time-based means having a deadline for achieving the goal. 

The clearer you are about what you want to achieve, the more likely you are to achieve it. So it is best first to clarify exactly what you desire to achieve, and write it down on paper! It is also recommended to identify your values, and set goals that move toward those values, instead of against them. 

Personal experience 

I started with a few small goals/baby goals, to begin with. I achieved them last year. For more advanced goal setting you can set up to 12 goals covering every area of your life, however as for myself that was too much to begin with. I started with three small goals. 

It is important to write each goal down! This cements the goal into your mind. The more often you write each goal down clearly, in the present tense the better. 

As you achieve each small goal, you gain confidence, and your belief in yourself grows, your self-esteem improves, and you start setting bigger goals. I have two main goals this year, and both are being achieved. The different areas of your life that you can set goals for can include-Health and energy, Relationships, Career, Study, family etc, it’s up to you. You can even set goals relating to diet and exercise. Some people write an entire list of goals for the year of what they want to be, do or have.     

How to do it? 

(Smart goals picture) retrieved 31/12/2020. How to align time management with business goals? (v-comply.com) 

For a baby goal first, identify your desire. (e.g. to lose weight, specifically 5kg.) 

Second, write it down. (I weigh x___ kgs by December 2021) 

Third, make a plan. (What you need to do to reach that goal?) Do you need to tweak diet and exercise more? How so? What does this goal require? What do you need to do to achieve this goal? 

Fourth is to keep working towards it. If you fail to meet the deadline, don’t worry and just set a new one. 

Fifth, make sure you celebrate when you accomplish your goal. 

Happy goal setting! 

John G 

Every month, Out Doors Inc. gives our Participants a chance to share their stories and passion projects. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, contact us at marketing@outdoorsinc.org.au

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