Here are 7 simple tips to create #GOALS that you will achieve
Here are 7 simple tips to create #GOALS that you will achieve
- Goals are to do lists with deadlines
You can set daily, weekly, yearly of lifetime goals and we’re not telling you that your goals need to be achieved as soon as possible. This is why we call them S.M.A.R.T goals because they are realistic with their timelines that can last the rest of your life. For example one of my goals might be to retire and travel around Australia. If I was a 30 year old this goal might be distant but what I would be doing is ensuring that I have the funds and the health to be able to get there. Similarly if my goal is to own several properties I might span this out from 2-5 years depending on my cashflow at each interval.
- Get visual
The more you can visualise your goal or the end outcome the more likely you are to commit to achieving it. Particularly if the visualisation is something you see consistently. For example you could create a mood board with images/quotes/inspiration. Or it could be as simple as adjusting your computer password to words or quotes that will motivate you.
- Be accountable
Holding yourself accountable can often be wrought with worry and anxiety. Instead of thinking of accountability as the realisation your not doing what you set out to and instead the gift that helps you to achieve your goals.
- Set goals that will motivate you
Goal achievement requires a strong commitment. And those commitments must be things that you personally want not what your partner or family or children want. You create the definition of success and comparing that to others is a risky move.
Take a look at the bigger picture behind that goal, is that what you are really after? There is no point in setting goals that you have little interest in the outcome. For example if you want to lose weight but can’t stand going to the gym. Then setting yourself a goal to go to the gym more is only going to result in eventual failure (for most). You could instead use the bigger picture ‘weight loss’ and find a different means to do that like going for long walks with your dog.
- Make them realistic and achievable
If you are a terrible singer, you can probably count yourself unlucky if your dream is to be the next Adele. This is why it is important to make sure you set goals that are realistic, because if they feel to hard to reach then you’re already putting it in your mind that you can’t achieve them.
If you have to set smaller more achievable goals to get you to that big goal. For example if you are the terrible singer you could set a goal to start taking singing lessons or going to karaoke weekly – this is much more achievable and then once complete you can move on the next one.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for support
Just because you are setting your own personal goals doesn’t mean that you can’t ask for support along the way. In fact when we share our goals with those close enough to us we’re more likely to hold ourselves accountable. The best athletes in the world could not be champions without the support of their coaches, trainers, families.
If you feel like you need to have someone to hold you accountable you could work with a life coach, or for money goals a financial planner is a great sidekick to help you achieve them.
- Be prepared for change
Change will happen more than likely, and if instead of praying that it doesn’t – embrace change. Be prepared for it, wait for it and you will be more capable of responding to it. There is a very simple short book called ‘Who moved my cheese’ which gives a great metaphorical story about this exact mindset, have a read if you get the chance and think of ways you can better respond to change.
The most important thing about setting goals is to open your mind to the plethora of possibilities; you can start by asking yourself things like, where do I want to be, what do I want to do, where do I want to go, what legacy do I want to leave and continue to build a list of goals and then start to prioritise and compartmentalise each of those concepts.
Creating your goals can take 1 hour or 1 week, the most important thing is that you get started, having a good set of goals can make for easier decision making when faced with tough situations. It can keep your mind healthy and positive and help you to focus on what’s possible.
If you want to learn more about setting goals, speak to your financial adviser, or get started with our 2017 goal planner.
