10 Features of Well-Written Goals
In my last post, I explained the basics of goal-setting and now I fill this out with some tips on how to write your goals:
- They match with your personal and professional/organisational values.
- Goals are written down otherwise they are dreams or wishes. Keep a diary or notebook to record these. If you are more of a visual person a mind map may capture your thoughts better than traditional notes. Tony Buzan is the best author on this subject.
- They are reviewed regularly. To do this keep them handy, always in the same place and create a good habit of say reviewing every Sunday evening. Tracking your progress and refreshing yourself keeps you focused and gives clarity to decision making in the week and month ahead. A success diary breeds further success.
- Goals are specific, e.g. I want to live in a white house with a sweeping staircase.
- They are written in the positive e.g. I want to achieve a weight of X stones/Kg/pounds.
- Goals are captured in the imagination. You can visualise how they will look and feel. I have a visual part to my business plan to inspire me.
- They are measurable. How will you know when you have achieved the goal?
- Goals are challenging, to stretch you and motivate you, but not so hard that they seem too daunting and out of reach. Remember – bite size chunks.
- They are achievable and within your influence and largely within your control. Big goals can suit teams and departments who can together set and agree action steps.
- They are set within a timeframe. Allow two and a half times longer than your gut instinct suggests to allow for obstacles and emergencies.
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