Everyone has dreams, in order to make those dreams come true it is important to establish goals. But what is exactly a goal?
A goal is something that we want to reach, to earn and have, it differentiates from a dream since it is a more down-to-earth version, a measurable version. Achieve goals, in theory, sounds easy but has it ever happened to you that no matter what you want to achieve, it is always impossible to do it? Many people can make such types of questions because they are not doing things the way they have to be done.
Some expectations can be sometimes too big; the best way to handle them is by setting short-term goals that one by one will get you closer to accomplish those long-term goals you probably have. And then again, how can you deal with those little goals and not lose control of the situation?
At Premier Consumer, we put together a list of 8 tips that can help you achieve your short-term goals, leading you directly to achieve the mid-term and long-term as well:
1. Motivate yourself: Motivation is the key element to achieve any goal. It is the fuel that is going to keep you running towards the final line. However, motivation can fade away when things start to go in a different direction, so in that case you would need to define what your objectives really are.
If you really want something, keep it always in your mind by, for example, writing it in a place where you can see it regularly, or imagining yourself achieving that goal.
To keep that source of energy it is necessary to develop certain characteristics such as: Self-confidence, discipline, tenacity and a positive attitude against adversity. All that will keep the motivation levels very high.
2. It has to be feasible: Focus your goals on actions that you can actually do. As mentioned before, goals are not dreams; the first thing need to be is realistic and achievable. If for example the amount of money you spend monthly is bigger than your regular income, your goal should not be save a lot of money immediately because that will not be possible. Starting little by little you can go achieving those small goals until you get the chance to take larger steps.
Probably dome sacrifices have to be made but at the end it will worth the wait.
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3. It has to be relevant: Those goals have to be something that you really want or need. And most importantly, a goal has to be meaningful (therefore, relevant) to your life. It must be something that makes a positive impact, or improves your lifestyle.
Since it is very easy to make mistakes presuming that every goal is relevant, you have to be very careful with this. It is important to mention that following goals established by others can lead you to unwanted results. That is why you have to ask yourself at the starting point: Is this what I really want?
4. Reward yourself: Reward yourself every once in a while, or every time you complete an important task. It would make you feel good and motivated to continue and conclude. Of course every reward has to match, or at least should not interfere, with the goal. If, for example, you want to lose some weight by summer vacations, do not reward yourself by going to a fast food restaurant to eat 8 burgers, it would not make sense at all and would destroy your progress.
5. Share your goals: Sharing your goals with people you trust and value makes it more real and creates a sense of pressure and responsibility. This pushes us forward on any project. Besides, not only yourself, but others will provide you with that extra motivation that is always good. Also, maybe some family member a friend can support you (helping, working at your side, or providing their opinions or points of view) to reach your goals faster and effectively.
“Sharing your goals with people you trust and value makes it more real and creates a sense of pressure and responsibility”
6. Review them: If you notice that a goal (or some of them) needs to be arranged, do it. Constantly checking and reviewing your goals will help you keep track of your development. Every once in a while, take a look at your goals and make the necessary adjustments
7. Set milestones: Milestones are those important previous steps or mini goals that are going to help you reach the final goal. Setting them will make you see that your project is developing successfully. Some authors believe that the first milestone has to be reached in a period of at least 3 weeks. This is completely open to debate since one can take more or less than that time depending on the type of goal, but it is an average one can keep in mind.
For example: if one wishes to build a house, the milestones are: setting the foundations, lifting the walls, setting up the electric wiring, and so on until the last step is completed.
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8. Organize yourself: Finally, a good organization is absolutely necessary in order to achieve any goal. This last tip encompasses some of the others previously mentioned. Setting priorities in order helps to make project goals more attainable and easier to accomplish.
To get a proper organization you will have to:
- Choose what is more important and do that first.
- Order your other tasks (using for example a Gantt Chart)
- Be flexible at certain points
Now that you have all these tips to achieve your short-term goals in any aspect, start today to make significant and positive changes in your life!