Do you wish there were more hours in the day to get your work accomplished? If you struggle with completing the things you want done within your organization, it is time to consider setting goals for yourself. Goal setting is common practice in business and can help increase performance, allow for growth and redefine your purpose.
Creating goals can be intimating or challenging for some. We could always use some help getting started. Here are some tips to help keep you on track when creating goals in the workplace.
1. Create SMART Goals
For those unfamiliar, SMART is an acronym to help you write your goals and objectives. This is a great checklist to follow to help ensure you achieve your goals.
Specific: Goals should be defined using the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and Which model. Goals should be specific, focused and clear.
Measurable: You must have a way to track your progress. Setting criteria can help measure your goals to help you determine if you are going in the right direction. Ask yourself, how will you know when you’ve reached your goal? How much or how many?
Attainable: You want a goal you can reach therefore it is important to take into consideration any restrictions you have or could encounter. Is this goal feasible? If not, you need to alter your goal.
Relevant: Your goals should be related to your challenge and hold significance to you. It should also be realistic.
Timely: All goals should have a deadline. Your goal needs to have a date for completion. Create a time frame that is practical because without a time frame there is no sense of urgency or pressure to help motivate you.
2. Complete Research
Find out what it will take to reach your goal by researching. If you are trying to move up to a management position, research how others have achieved their goals in the past. You can find ways to do it better. Get creative and think outside the box.
3. Writing Goals & Lists
Write down your goals. When you write down your goals on paper they seem more concrete. They have a sense of power. One way to do this is with To-Do lists. To-Do lists are generally for your smaller and daily goals. Lists can help us stay on task so that you aren’t wasting or becoming distracted other things. Plus, you get the thrill of checking tasks off your list.
4. Find Supporters
Supporters are a great way to help encourage you to reach your goals. Set a plan and get others involved to help hold you accountable. If you communicate your goals with your organization they can not only keep you on track but also become a resource for you. You can also find mentors and ask for their help and advice.
5. Reward Yourself
Reward yourself after you’ve accomplished your goal. You should always reward your hard work and motivation. Don’t be afraid to celebrate your success.
So if you don’t already set goals at your organization, now is a good time to start. Goal setting can escalate your career, help build confidence, and improve your life.
How often do you set goals for yourself?
