5 Proven Tips for Successful Goal Setting

Committing to a goal that will take you out of your comfort zone is difficult. But you have to break out of your comfort zone if you want to break out of your rut to achieve something more. 

Whether it is to change your eating and exercise habits, be a better dad or mom, or excel in your career, you have to do something different to get a different result.

The best way to make a change is to set a goal so that you have a result to reach for.  Goal setting is something people have been doing for centuries.  Throughout history, people have prioritized their freedom to have a better way of life above everything else.

For most people, in today’s world, if we don’t achieve our goals, we can still live a pretty good life. So the motivation to move and change is not as strong as someone leaving a life of oppression for the dream of freedom.

We can dig deep to find the motivation by sticking to a few tried and true guidelines for successful goal setting.  When you have a plan and stick to it even when you don't feel like it, you are fairly certain to achieve your desired life. But, it's hard to do it alone, and the draw for a comfortable life versus the struggle for growth is strong!  

Here are 5 proven tips for successful goal setting to help you stay on track and reach new heights:

1- Start with a strong foundation: Assessing and building a solid foundation in your life is essential before setting any goals. This includes caring for physical health, cultivating healthy relationships, feeling spiritually grounded, and developing a positive mindset. Without a strong foundation, achieving any goals you set for yourself can be difficult. So take the time to establish healthy habits and routines before moving on to goal setting.

2- Identify your passions: Goals aligned with your passions and interests are more likely to inspire and keep you motivated. Take the time to reflect on what you genuinely enjoy and what brings you fulfillment. Once you've identified your passions, brainstorm goals related to those areas. Some people set goals because they think it will make them happy based on what they see in others.  It’s easier to stay focused when moving toward something you love than trying to duplicate someone else’s perceived happiness.

3- Break goals into manageable steps: Achieving big plans can be overwhelming, so it's essential to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This helps make the goal feel less daunting and more achievable. First, create a plan outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Next, create daily habits that steadily take you toward your desired outcome.  Even if the goal seems daunting, it is doable with small daily actions.

4- Keep your goals visible:  Check in daily with your plan.  Keep a visual of your goal in front of you, as on the home screen on your phone, fridge, or mirror as you prepare for the day each morning. Envision yourself at the finish line and enjoy life as it will be when the goal is complete. Go about your day as if you already have the goal. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, when you do your daily practice run, pretend it is the day of the race, and you are crossing the finish line.  Even when you are not running, you are doing the things a healthy and fit person would do because that goal is always in front of you.

5- Stay accountable: Sharing your goals with others and seeking accountability can help you stay on track and motivated. Find a friend or mentor who can offer support and check in with them regularly so they can help you see how you're progressing towards your goal. Consider joining a support group or hiring a coach for additional accountability.

You can create your best life with a little focus and a plan.  Never settle for mediocre, when you can have amazing!  God gave us abundant earth, and we live in a country whose motto is the Land of Opportunity, the Home of the Free, and the Brave.  The opportunities are indeed available. The only question is, will we take the necessary action to receive all available to us.  With the proven steps above, it’s possible!

Check out this Daily Gratitude Call podcast episode for more insight into finding joy in creating your best life: https://soundcloud.com/wylene-benson/gratitude-for-joy-in-creating