Targeting for success – the importance of goal setting
Jeanine Bailey, Empowerment Coach
The key to achieving success in your personal and professional life is setting yourself goals. Research shows that only three per cent of the population set themselves targets. Those who practiced regular goal-setting demonstrated they were more successful in realizing their vision and dreams compared to the remaining 97 percent in the survey who didn’t actively set themselves goals.
There are a number of different models you can use when setting goals such as the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. model, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, Targeted, Exciting and Recorded.
It states that goals should be:
Specific – so that it’s clearly understood what you’re aiming for
Measurable – so you can determine whether you have met your target or not
Accountable – deciding who or what you will be accountable to, thereby strengthening your commitment
Realistic – so you are encouraged to achieve your goal
Targeted and Time Based – by determining a time for completion, strengthening your dedication to the goal
Exciting – to encourage you to go for the major prize
Recorded – which also commits you to completion of the goal and can be referred to any time
John C. Maxwell, an internationally recognized expert in leadership, recommends using the following guidelines when setting goals for individual growth, either on a personal or professional level:
• Make sure the goal is appropriate.
Always ensure the targets you set are feasible; that shorter term goals will lead to your final goal. There’s no point choosing random targets which don’t bring you closer to your ultimate aspiration.
• Make the goals attainable.
Objectives need to be achievable so you are not discouraged from the start. Set smaller goals to begin with and build up the momentum to accomplish much bigger targets. It’s like an athlete training for an important race: they set themselves a series of personal best times and train hard to beat them, one by one, until they are ready to go for the record title.
• Make the goals measurable.
By having something specific to set your sights on, you can measure your progress as you accomplish each task that gets you step by step closer to your ultimate goal. The sense of achievement you experience as you complete each task is hugely rewarding and encouraging.
• Clearly state the goals.
By clearly stating your goals, there can be no discrepancies. In a working environment, goals must be clearly understood and agreed between parties so there is no discrepancy about what needs to be completed. If the goals are not clearly stated, it allows room for ‘excuses’ or misunderstandings between parties.
• Make the goals a stretch.
Objectives need to be achievable, but they also need to be bigger than what you’ve done in the past. One of our core needs as a human being is to experience variety. Aim for a new target, which is more challenging than anything you’ve experienced before, which will inspire you to achieve, as well as enable personal growth.
• Put the goals in writing.
By putting your goals in writing, you become much more accountable to yourself and to others. This ensures you ‘keep your eyes firmly on the prize’ ahead – a constant reminder of your core purpose and aims.
And if you’re managing others, it’s important to review the objectives of those reporting to you and use it as an opportunity to encourage and support your team to stay on track and achieve the goals of the team.
As Italian born, successful American racing car driver Mario Andretti said, ‘Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.’
Remember you have the power to create the results you want in your life. It’s up to you to manage your thoughts and actions to achieve the success you desire.
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