Why set goals?
It may seem obvious to say this, but the first step to making the changes that you want in your life is deciding what those changes should be. Unless you take a step back and think about what you actually want, it is all too easy to drift along doing the obvious things.
Having decided on what you really want, how do you go about achieving it?
The most important thing that you can do is be very clear about what you are trying to achieve. Be specific - exactly what do you want and by when? Having the overall goal or vision clearly in mind will help you take the next step.....Break down the goal
When you look at your new, clear vision, it may well seem too large to tackle and impossible to achieve. But, like a mountain climber, by taking one step at a time you can start the journey and make progress towards the summit. So the trick is to look at the end goal and decide which way you have to go to move you in the right direction. Break down the journey into more easily attainable chunks so that you can always see some progress, however small. Set yourself long, medium and short term goals with clear milestones along the way. When you reach one of the milestones, celebrate! You may not yet have got to where you want to be, but look back and see how far you have moved.Keep stretching
If you make your overall goal too large with no clear intermediate milestones, you might well lose motivation as you never seem to achieve what you are aiming at. But the opposite is also true: Make the goals too small and you will lose the sense of purpose and achievement, and this can be just as demotivating. So strike a balance - set goals and milestones that are not easy, but are achieveable with effort. Keep stretching yourself!
Be flexible
There is more than one path up the mountain. Don't get hung up on sticking to your plans. It may well be that as you move towards your goal you find a more attractive option along the way. It may even be that as you pass your intermediate milestones you realise that you want to change your overall goal. That is ok! As long as you take the time to reassess where you are heading and make a positive choice to change your aim. This is not giving up, it is taking control of your life!How can coaching help?
Working with a professional coach can help you in a number of ways;Help you develop your goals by exploring your personal values and interests and how they fit into a fulfilled life
Help you set the small steps to keep you on track
Keep up your motivation
Provide feedback on personal traits that might be holding you back
To get you started.....
If you would like to start thinking about your goals for the coming year, try out this free report. It will take 5-10 minutes to complete and you will receive a free summary by email.Click here to get the FREE Goals Report