6 Steps to Better Goal Setting
We all set goals but only a few of us actually find it easy to make changes in our lives, particularly if we are changing long-standing habits. One of the reasons that goals, such as New Year’s resolutions, often fail is that we aren’t setting effective and achievable goals. There is a major difference between wishing something would change and setting a goal to make that change and following through.
Fitness goals are among the most commonly set goals, as well as the ones that regularly fail. Many of us start the week strong, but by mid-week, we have lost sight exercising regularly and fall back into old habits. Most people struggle with sustaining long-term change. Welcome to the club!
Setting Better Goals
So, we know that setting and achieving isn’t easy what can we do to increase the likelihood of success and long-term change in our lives? Setting effective and achievable requires defining the goal, creating a schedule or plan to achieve those goals, and following through with those plans. It sounds complicated and difficult but it doesn’t have to be. Here are six steps to planning and executing your goal to increase the likelihood of success.
- Pick a specific behaviour to change. Start with no more than one to two behaviours to change at a time. Define the goal precisely. Ensure it is measurable, realistic, and has an end date.
- Consider readiness to change. Consider whether or not this goal is something you are ready to make a commitment to. Is it the right time to focus on this goal? Are there things that might get in the way of achieving this goal? Or is there something else holding you back from making this change that you should address first? Be honest with yourself but don’t make excuses. There are times when goals like increasing exercise might not make sense, for example in the middle of a big move or when you’re expecting a baby.
- Identify barriers and anticipate setbacks. If you tried to make a change in the past, what got in the way of success? Be brutally honest about why you failed. Make deconstructing those barriers your first goal.
- Implement the change. Approach behavioural change gradually. Make small, specific changes. Plan a schedule to integrates changes into day-to-day life.
- Revisit and revise. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. If you aren’t on track with changes, work to identify barriers again. Were your expectations too high? Was the specific goal you set too ambitious? Revise goals as necessary. Consider what needs to change with the original goal. Are you taking on too much too fast? Is your deadline too fast?
- Reward Yourself. Set milestones that help track progress and schedule regular rewards for each achievement.
Final Thoughts
Change can be a challenge but if you follow these six steps you can increase the likelihood of reaching your goals. Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight and we all experience setbacks.