How to develop more effective short-term goals
By Annette Richmond
Do the things you want seem just out of your reach? Whether it's getting a new project off the ground or trying to reduce stress in your life you'll make more progress if you set goals.
Unfortunately, you're busy. You don't have time to sit down and write goals. That's where you would be wrong. You don't have time not too.
Ever heard about the Harvard study of business school grads? The study monitored graduates of an MBA program from 1979 to 1989. Researchers found that ten years after graduation the three percent who had written goals were making 10 times as much money as the other 97 percent combined. Other studies over the years have produced similar findings: People who set goals are more successful.
Now, you probably know that setting goals means developing a clear, concise statement of intent. This is your main objective or long-term goal. Next you need to create a written plan that includes reasonable and measurable short-term goals. Often these are defined as S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Framed) goals. But setting S.M.A.R.T. goals is not enough. The most effective short-term goals include two more R's. Not rest & relaxation, although I'm fond of both, I'm talking about Relevant & Reward.
Think about it. Are you constantly busy but not really moving forward? Kind of like a car stuck in the mud: Wheels spinning, no movement. You may be spending too much time on tasks that are not Relevant to your long-term goal.
As you develop your ActionPlan carefully evaluate each short-term goal. Is this activity Relevant? Does it move you toward your long-term objective? If not, it's a time-waster. Drop it.
Do you find yourself discouraged? Maybe that's because you rarely experience success. It's tough to keep going without encouragement. That's where having Rewards comes in.
When you create your ActionPlan be sure you include Mini-Goals that will give you opportunities to succeed. And when you succeed be sure to reward yourself.
Remember school? We don't send kids to grade school and make them wait until they're reading Shakespeare to reward them for learning to read. Quizzes, tests and report cards provide opportunities to succeed throughout the school year. Remember, we reward children when they can write the Alphabet and read five-word sentences. Adults need to be rewarded too.
As you create your ActionPlan remember to include lots of R & R. Keeping your activities Relevant will help you eliminate time-wasters. Which gives you time to accomplish your priorities. Planning for success and rewards along the way will help you stay motivated. And staying motivated is essential for success.
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