It’s usual that many people start working on a goal at the beginning of a new year. Many of us often set a goal or two, or more we want to achieve by a given time of the new year. Such goals are about changing some aspects of the goal setter’s life.
You, probably, have set your own goal too. It’s normal if you haven’t set any goals either. Most people don’t. But if you’ve decided what you want to achieve in the year, I guess you may have started working on ways to achieve those goals.
In this article, we shall explore the topic how to start working on a goal by drawing on lessons from the the domains of strategic management and motivation. I hope you’ll be inspired to start working on a goal.
1. Set specific, achievable objectives
First, you determine what you want to achieve. Ask yourself: “why do I need to achieve this goal I’m setting for myself? Think about why that goal is important to you. think about why you’re setting the goal and what you want to change. Then again you ask yourself, are my objectives clear and specific? According to psychologists, identifying the importance of the goal can focus attention and strengthen the motivation to accomplish it. What’s the next job you’d like to obtain? How do you hope your relationship improves?
2. Break-up overarching goal into small, specific, measurable tasks
Break-up your goal into a series of small logical objectives and tasks. Create smaller specific, measurable goals that are easier to accomplish out of your grand goal, and checking each one off when attained. Making items measurable also allows you to recognise and celebrate when each one is finished—and then move on to the next step. The sense of accomplishment that follows a completion of a given task on your list—as will the hit of dopamine delivered after completing a task may invigorate you to keep going, working on your goal.
Goals should be calibrated at a precise level of difficulty. If the goal is too hard, you might be too intimidated to begin. If the goal is too easy, you might be too bored to finish. The optimal goal is slightly out of reach—it presents a challenge that’s attainable.
3. Decide what your performance indicators are
As you start working on a goal, you must determine what your indicators of your progress, success or failure should be. Your key performance indicators serve as your personal dashboard where you can observe how you progress towards achieving your goals.
4. Establish a set of policies for your goal
Again, working on a goal often must go along with some behavioural changes. By establishing a set of policies, you will be specifying behaviours, activities and attitudes that are consistent with your objectives only. Similarly, your policy would sanction activities that are inconsistent with the goals you want to achieve.
5. Create a plan
Create a plan to accomplish each small goal. A good plan will ensure your efforts are focused and directed onto achieving your goals. Make sure you balance a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead with confidence that you can overcome them.
6. Live your plan
Live your plan each day and feel free to adapt your plan to your progress and any changes in your environment along the way. Good Luck as you start working on a goal for the year.
Happy New Year.