How2Day: Ideas for Personal Goal Setting

Writing your goals provides clarity and an outline. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Setting personal goals motivates people into action and provides a vision for your future. Personal goals can be small or large, and their achievement deadlines can be a day or two in the future, to months or even years away. Personal goals give you something to work toward, motivate you and build your confidence.

The first step in personal goal-setting is determining exactly what you want to achieve. For example, specific attainable goals are a promotion at work, shedding 15 pounds or buying a home. Write down your goals, the time you need to accomplish each one and what is involved in the process. Include how achieving these personal goals will benefit you and contribute to your life. For example, you will see improvements to your health and your clothes may fit better once you lose 15 pounds.

Determine how to put your plan into action and set reasonable goals. Prioritize your personal goals in chronological order, based on importance and set deadlines. For example, you must change your eating habits and exercise regularly if you want to lose 15 pounds in the next four months. Planning to purchase a house depends on your income and may require you to make budget adjustments to save money. Factor in how much you'll need for closing and costs to maintain your home.

You should track your progress to stay on course and meet your personal goal-setting plan. After one month of exercising and eating healthy foods, when you weigh-in and find you've lost a few pounds, then you're on the right path. If you've gained a few pounds, it's time to re-evaluate your action plan and make some adjustments. Enlist a support team of people to help you, by cheering you on or providing advice. Every time you accomplish a step, reward yourself. You should plan your rewards when you begin the plan, so there are additional incentives to reaching your personal goals.

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