Simple Steps for Goal Setting Success

Goal setting is much more than simply telling yourself you really want something to happen. You need to clearly define exactly what you want and fully understand why you want it. To accomplish your goals, you need to know how to set goals. Goal setting is a process, and you will need to follow well-defined steps and answer deep questions to become successful.

To start the process, you must do some mindful thinking and writing. The physical act of writing down your goal and action plan makes it real and tangible. Be honest, be positive, and always use the words “I will” instead of “I might” or “I would like to.”

Time to grab a pencil and journal, notebook, or just a couple pieces of paper, because you have some important questions to answer and a plan to create.

Describe Your Vision
Describe your goal in writing. Visualize your “best self” and describe what you will look like and feel like when you accomplish your goal. A helpful guide to designing a goal is using the SMART goal plan.

• Specific: Your goal must be clear and well defined.
• Measurable: Include any precise amounts, dates, and details so you can measure your degree of success.
• Action: Break down the goal into actions done in incremental steps to gradually lead to permanent change.
• Realistic: If the goal is realistic, success will follow.

Time-Bound: Set a specific deadline date. “Sometime” is not a day of the week, a month or a year.

Motivation When setting a goal, make sure it is valuable and important to you. Answer the following questions:

• What makes this goal really important to me?
• Why do I want to reach this goal?
• What good will come to me when I accomplish this goal?

Gap
How large is the gap between where you are today and your goal?

Confidence
On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being really confident and 0 having no confidence, how confident are you that you can close the gap and accomplish your goal?

Challenges and Obstacles
What significant challenges and obstacles do you anticipate having to deal with on the way to reaching your goal? What concerns you the most?

Strengths, Strategies, and Supports
What strengths can you draw on to help you overcome these challenges and obstacles? What strategies will be effective to help you through your challenges and overcome obstacles? What people, resources, and environments can you count on to help you face your challenges?

Action Plan
Write down an action plan of weekly steps you will need to follow to achieve your goal. This will move you closer and closer to your goal while eliminating the overwhelming feeling of failure. And remember, gradual changes lead to permanent changes.

By following these simple steps, you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

You are now ready, confident and committed to taking your first steps toward a successful goal! Live Your Life has passionate personal trainers who would love to help you succeed in your goals. Learn more about Live Your Life’s personal training services at http://www.liveyourlifept.com/physical-therapy-wellness-services/personal-training

Michele Haider, A.A.
Personal Trainer
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Michele Haider is a lifetime resident of Little Canada, MN; the third generation to live on land that was once the family farm.

Michele has more than 25 years experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, nutritional specialist, wellness coach and corporate wellness coordinator. Michele’s experience has developed her passion for fitness and conditioning for aging adults.

Michele earned an A.A. Degree through Century College and holds certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, Silver Sneakers, Wellcoaches, American Council on Exercise, American Fitness Professionals & Associates, and American Academy of Fitness Professionals.

A former marathon runner, Michele now maintains an active lifestyle through running, strength training, biking, pickleball, snowshoeing, and long walks with friends.