Whether you are setting goals for a business, your future career, or simply your personal life, there is more than one way to do this. In fact, there are many different types of goal-setting methods.
The choice of which method to use has to do with your personal taste. You will have to determine which method will help you attain the goals you are setting for yourself.
Discovering these types of goal-setting methods will come in handy. We will be looking at multiple types, as well as some tips that could help you with your goal setting.
Types Of Goal Setting
There are many different ways to set goals, so we are going to take a look at three of the most effective methods.
SMART
This may be the most frequently used method to set goals. If you have been in a management position, this method will be very familiar.
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Some have even gone a step further and started using SMARTER, which adds Evaluate and Readjust.
This system will have you write down a specific goal (i.e., losing 20 pounds) and then follow the steps to create an action plan that can help you achieve that goal. You will determine how you will measure your progress and so on, which gives you a clear path to accomplishing the goal you set for yourself.
This system is great for those looking for an easy method that deals with realistic and tangible goals. If you are new to creating an action plan around your goals, this is the easiest method.
HARD
Like SMART, HARD is an acronym, and it stands for Heartfelt, Animated, Required, and Difficult. This is a great choice if you are looking for a method for long-term goals, especially in the emotional or mental realms of your life.
This looks for a more emotional tie to the goal you are setting, as the first step is to choose a goal you are emotionally invested in. From there, you will use visualization and the structuring of your path to reaching the goal.
WOOP
Of the three, this is the newest method, and it, too, is an acronym. WOOP stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. This system is perfect for getting rid of habits that are detrimental or serve no purpose.
When you begin using this method to set goals, you will start with something that excites you - a dream, maybe. Then, you will work from there through visualization, and you will eventually craft your goals and a plan that will jump the hurdles that are blocking your path to happiness.
Setting Goals – Why?
Setting goals is one of those things that could easily get pushed to the side if you don’t understand all of its benefits. Above all else, a list of goals will give you a target to shoot for and the focus and clarity to achieve them.
It can also help you determine what you need both in resources and knowledge. This can help craft the smaller stepping stone tasks that you will need to take to achieve your goals.
How To Choose
Choosing your goals can be done in several ways. You may want to just let your dreams flow. Open that floodgate and just unleash all of the things you have always wanted to do.
Then, start weeding out the ones that you aren’t that passionate about. Once that is done, you can start asking yourself probing questions, which may narrow the list down even more.
Once you have it narrowed down to a few options, you can start using the methods above to create a plan. Make sure not to overload yourself, as this could lead to loss of focus.
Tips For Achieving Your Goals
Above all else, the most important thing is to make your goals measurable and achievable. Here are a few other tips, as well.
- When setting goals, don’t forget to make them challenging. Shooting for the stars is not bad.
- Make sure that each goal has daily tasks that can be done to give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Tracking your progress and being honest with what is working and what isn’t is key to your achievement of these goals.
- Try to add in some mindfulness exercises or other activities that will allow you to relieve some stress.
Summary
Finding the right method to create your goals is a personal process and will look different for each person. Above, we have given you just three options of types of goal setting to choose from, along with some other tips and info that may help you.
If you would like to learn about how to set mental health goals, take a look here.
