How to Set Personal Goals—And Reach Them

January 02, 2008

Are you looking for more balance in your life? The New Year is a great time to set goals to help you find it. Just keep in mind that how you select and define your goals goes a long way toward helping you reach them. Try these tips for setting goals you can achieve—and be proud of.

Reach Realistically. Resist the urge to set broad-brushstroke goals. Start with your results from the Balanced Life Index (BLI) survey. Identify one goal for each pillar—nutrition, activity, and well-being—and work toward achieving them. Some examples might be: Eat three servings of fruit daily for nutrition, walk five times per week for activity, or make more time for yourself for well-being.

Put Pen to Paper. Write down your goals. Studies show you are more likely to achieve them if you take the additional step of writing them down. Use one sheet of paper for each goal. You'll see why in a minute.

Brainstorm Strategies. For each goal, jot down some simple strategies and action steps. Brainstorm as many ideas as you can. For example, action steps to help eat more fruit would be: Shop every Saturday for fresh produce, keep a bowl of fruit on the counter, or add a piece of fruit when you pack your lunch for work.

Be S-M-A-R-T. Check that your goals are:

Specific. Action steps should be specific. Wanting to walk more is too general. However, saying you will walk every weeknight after dinner is specific.
Measurable. Use numbers, times, and dates. If you'd like to make more time for yourself, a specific goal might be to get in bed at 10 p.m. nightly to read for half an hour.
Attainable. If you'd like greater financial freedom for well-being, an attainable resolution might be to set aside an extra $10 weekly in your 401(k).
Realistic. You might want to look like a supermodel, but that's not realistic or attainable for most of us (supermodels excluded). Set a more realistic goal, such as to lose 5 pounds in the next three months.
Timely. Goals should have a start date and an end date. If you'd like to change your job to have less stress in your life, set a date to start sending resumes and a date you'd like to be in your new workplace.

Setting goals is an important way to know you’ve made progress in your life. So think about what kind of life you really want, and trust Start Making Choices™ to help you start getting there!

Topics: Stress Management, Budget and Finances, Caring for Yourself

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