Goal setting and visualising our goals are some of the most important and powerful things we can do for ourselves and our businesses.
A Harvard Business study revealed that 14% of people with unwritten goals are 10 times more successful than those without any set goals. Furthermore, those with written goals are 30 times more successful. By organising and focusing our attention on our goals, we are more likely to increase the time and effort put into activities that we know will help us in achieving our end goals. Therefore, significantly increasing our motivation to create the positive change we long for, making goal setting and visualisation important processes for personal and professional growth.
So how should we start goal setting?
Prior to goal setting, it is imperative that we identify our personal values as well as the values of our company. This is because goals founded on values are often the most successful as they align with our individual life philosophies.
A clear sense of direction provided using the ‘SMART’ framework, allows us to identify and systemise the tasks which need to be completed in order to achieve our ultimate goal, consequently allowing us to begin scaling up our businesses. The framework is based on years of academic research and will give us the best chance of successfully achieving our goals. ‘SMART’ goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related, providing us with clear objectives and a sense of direction.
Specific: Goals should include details including who, what, when, where and why, to ensure what you are wanting to achieve is detailed. While ‘get good grades’ is a valid goal, it is not specific and should include more detail. For example, this objective could be rewritten as ‘study for an hour each afternoon, every day for the two weeks leading up to the exam’.
Measurable: Goals should be measurable, so you are able to confirm whether or not you are making progress toward achieving them. So, goals should include specific quantities, a checklist which indicates progress or whatever you feel is suitable to your objective.
Achievable: If the goal you set is too challenging, it may lead to disappointment and a decrease in confidence if you fail to achieve it. Therefore, set goals that you know you are capable of achieving with the resources available and within the timeframe set.
Realistic: Your goals should be realistic in regard to your personal situation. For example, if you work nightshift and sleep from 6am-2pm, then it would be unrealistic to set a goal to do yoga every morning at 8am.
Time-related: Strict deadlines or general timeframes may motivate us to work harder and compel us to prioritise tasks that will enable us to achieve our objectives.
Visualising our Goals
In our minds, we may have a fair idea of what we are working towards but how are we able to achieve our goals without having a clear image of them? The use of a vision board can strengthen our attachment to our goals as the human brain responds powerfully to visual stimulation.
A vision board should be a simple and clear representation of our ideal future and motivate us to achieve our goals through the use of inspiring quotes, images and words. This constant visual reminder will make it easier to make decisions which align with our goals. It also can subconsciously program us to notice more opportunities and available resources to aid in achieving our goals, greatly influencing our success.
A lot of people tend to disregard the importance of goal setting and put little time into properly developing their goals, if at all. However, it is evident that the development of ‘SMART’ goals and the creation of a vision board can massively influence our success and in turn, overall happiness.
