How do I set a goal?

People generally set goals because they are not satisfied with where they are at in their lives.  They see a gap between what they want and what they have.

For example, you may be unemployed, so you have zero income.  But you want to have money.  There is a gap between what you have and what you want.

There are many tools out there to help with goal setting; the most common approach is to make them S.M.A.R.T.

As coaches we often simplify this further to: a goal is your what by when.

Specific - You must be able to clearly state: what you are going to achieve.

Bad example: I will do something.
Good example: I will earn money.


Measurable - How will you know when you have achieved your goal?  What metric will you use?

Bad example: I will earn some money.

Good example: I will earn $500.


Attainable - Is the goal within your reach at this time with your present skills and resources?  If you answered 'no', it is perfectly fine to set a longer term goal, but you must understand that there are probably smaller steps and goals involved.  To build self esteem, set goals that are just out of reach, not goals that require huge leaps.  The big leaps are made by lots of little steps.

Bad example: I will earn $50000. (this is a "bad example" if you do not have the skills or capability to jump from zero to this figure)

Good example: I will earn $500.


Realistic - Can you realistically achieve this goal?  Are you capable of and willing to do the work involved to achieve the goal?

Bad example: I will earn $500,000,000. (if you have the knowledge and means to do this, please email me!)
Good example: I will earn $500.



Time-bound - Specify a time-frame.  This is your deadline.  Note, it too should be attainable and realistic.


Bad example: I will earn $500 one day.
Good example: I will earn $500 by the end of this month.
Even better example: I will earn $500 by January 31, 2012.


A life coach would take this several steps farther, including taking you through a visioning process which would look like this:

Imagine yourself, sitting in your room on January 31, 2012.  Imagine how you feel.  Can you see the money in your hands or in your bank statement?  Actually put yourself in that time.

When you are there, look back at what you did to achieve that goal.  What major steps did you take?  What sub-steps did you make?

But the first step is to define what it is you want.

... to be continued....

See more at Designing from the Future