One of the most basic life lessons must be how to set and achieve a goal.  Without mastering this fundamental knowledge, you may still accomplish things in life.  However, your path will most likely meander and lack focus.

Let’s take a simple skill, learning the alphabet, and see how goal-setting helps.  The very first thing you need to know is what you want.  It must be absolutely clear, and it must be precise.  There should be no doubt what you want to master and when you want to master it.

• I learn to recite the alphabet by Friday, March 25, 2011.
• I am able to sing my ABC’s from start to finish, without stopping, by Friday, April 1, 2011.
• I easily say the alphabet, both backward and forward, to my Mommy and Daddy on Friday, April 1, 2011.

Notice how the goals are stated in the first person and present tense.  This is deliberate and necessary!  You want to create a picture in your mind.  You want your whole being to see this as a reality.

Even better, when you state a goal this way, and set a specific date, it is empowering.  You can picture yourself accomplishing this goal.

How to be S.M.A.R.T.

You may have heard this before,”All goals should be SMART.”  What does that mean exactly?  It’s an acronym and a quick reminder on how to write effective goals.

• Specific – Be absolutely clear about how you want to change your life.
• Measurable – You’ll need to know if you’re progressing to your goal and when you achieve it.
• Attainable – If you set a goal to fly like Superman, you might be disappointed.
• Realistic – “I earn ten million dollars in two days.”  You could earn the money, but it’ll probably take longer!
• Timely – Break your goals down into smaller goals, so you can get into a habit of success.

Vague goals are destructive.  Outrageous goals are frustrating.  Waiting forever is painful.  Be S.M.A.R.T. about your goals.

Goals Needs Actions or Habits

Knowing what you want is great.  However, you must take action to reach your goal.  After you have a clear goal with a clear target date, identify the specific actions you think will get you to your goal.

• I practice my ABC’s for ten minutes every evening at 6pm.
• I spend ten minutes with my teacher every weekday at 2pm to recite the alphabet.
• I listen to alphabet songs for ten minutes before bed every night at 8pm.

Again, these actions are written in the first person and present tense.  They also include a specific time and duration. Actions must become habits to reach your goal.  If you take these actions on a regular basis, you will get closer to reaching your goal.

Be Prepared to Adjust

Setting and achieving a goal is not always smooth sailing.  Sometimes, the actions you identify are not the right ones.  Or, they are not done often enough or long enough.

You also might not complete your actions according to your schedule.  Other commitments and activities might get in the way.

When you get the first hint you might not reach your goals, ask yourself, “Can I adjust my actions to still reach my goal?”  What if it doesn’t look like you’ll know the alphabet by April 1st?

• I practice my ABC’s for fifteen minutes every evening at 6pm.
• I spend fifteen minutes with my teacher every weekday at 2pm to recite the alphabet.
• I listen to alphabet songs for fifteen minutes before bed every night at 8pm.

More than one adjustment to your actions may be necessary!  Or, as a last resort, the target date for your goal might need to change.  It might take only a small adjustment to your target date to reach your goal and feel successful.

Visualize

If you are aiming to achieve a goal, you are striving to make a change.  One of the best ways to support your efforts is to visualize already accomplishing that change in your life.

Take some quiet time.  Close your eyes.  Imagine how your life will be different, once you achieve your goal.  What will it be like to know your alphabet?  How will you feel?  Can you imagine how other people will respond to your accomplishment?

You can also visualize the actions or habits you need to take.  See yourself taking the actions according to your schedule and feel the success of a productive session.

By creating this image of success in your mind, it will be easier to succeed in your actions and goals.

Celebrate Your Success!

When the target day for your goal arrives, and you realize you have achieved your goal, what do you do?  Celebrate, of course!

If you’ve worked hard to reach a goal, reaching the goal itself will feel like a reward.  Also, be proud of your ability to set and achieve the goal.  You’ve worked hard, so doing something fun is a great way to celebrate success.

What Works For You?

In addition to these basics, what do you do to ensure your reach your goals?  Do you create a dream board?  Do you post your goals in conspicuous place?  Please share in the comment section below.