The same is true with life goals. Being clear about what you want gives clarity and direction. They help you focus squarely on what you want out of life and make positive progress to get there. It’s important to remember that you need clarity in your goals. Why? This will make it much easier for you to reach them!
When you write out detailed instructions regarding your goals instead of vague ideas, you have a much better chance of achieving success. You’ll not only know exactly what you need to do, but you’ll likely be invigorated and enthusiastic.
Follow these tips in order to clarify your goals:
- Figure out your ultimate goal. Define exactly what you want. Instead of a goal like “I want to be successful,” be specific by listing things such as “I want to own my own business which brings in at least $10,000 per month.”
- Don’t be afraid of the details. You make the ultimate decision on what you want. But don’t be afraid to set the details. Avoid goals like “I want to be rich” because there’s no details as to how you’ll get there. Instead, consider the lifestyle you want, what your overall needs are and then answer these questions:
- How much money do you want to make?
- What will this money provide for you that you desire?
- What lifestyle do you want? A nice home, the ability to travel the world, philanthropy, be debt-free?
- How do you want to earn this money?
- When do you want this to happen?
- How can you prepare for this?
- What must need to change in your life in order for this to happen?
- Break down your goals into bite-sized pieces. When you stare at your ultimate goal, it may seem intimidating and unattainable. It’s important to break down your main goal into manageable bits. Write out detailed plans about how you’ll reach each of these more manageable pieces. For example, if you want to start your own business, a small goal would be to research your local and federal business laws and register a name.
- Give yourself deadlines. It’s vital to give yourself deadlines so you know you’re making progress towards your goals. Each of your small goals should have an attainable deadline. In the business example above, maybe you’d give yourself a week’s time in order to research different business structures and laws.
- Keep track. Make detailed notes about what you have done so far. Keeping track of your progress will help you stay organized and on top of your goals.
- Make alternate plans. Sometimes you won’t be able to make the deadline you have set out for yourself, or maybe you’ll be unable to follow through with a current plan entirely. It’s important to think of alternatives in case certain situations don’t work out in your favor. If you already have back up plans in place, you’ll save time if you run into snags on the way to your goals.
Get Organized
Organization can mean keeping all of your detailed plans and journals in a binder with tabs for easy access to your notes. Alternatively, you may opt to keep your materials organized by using project management software on your computer. Just remember to make backups of your digital information so that you don’t lose it.
No matter what method you’ve chosen, determine the details, set small attainable goals that lead toward your ultimate goals, be flexible so you can conquer challenges and keep track of your progress. Doing these things will bring you ultimate clarity and success.
