Understand Your Motivations for Setting Goals
Goal-setting is much more successful when you know what you are shooting for. When thinking about how to set realistic goals, write down what you want to achieve and all of the reasons you can think of why you want to achieve that goal. Read on or contact Breaking Dawn Therapy to learn how to set realistic goals.
Define SMART Goals
When setting a goal, make it SMART:
- Specific – clear and precise – What, why, who, where?
- Measurable – trackable progress – How much? How many?
- Achievable – realistic and attainable – Stretches abilities, but still possible
- Relevant – matters to you, aligns with other goals
- Time-Bound – realistic and motivational – When?
To be concrete, a goal must be both measurable and specific. For example, you may set a goal to wake up earlier. That is not a concrete goal. To make it concrete, add measurable specifics – for example, to wake up at 6:30 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM on weekends.
Set Realistic Deadlines
When thinking about how to set realistic goals, you may find that establishing deadlines is the hardest part. Setting tight deadlines can be a source of motivation, but unrealistic timeframes can lead to stress. On the other hand, setting loose deadlines can cause you to lose focus and downplay the importance of that activity toward achieving the final goal.
To set a realistic deadline, finding a balance, or “happy medium,” is important.
Break Down Your Goal
Once you have identified your specific goal and the why and when break the goal down into smaller steps. An action plan lists a series of smaller objectives to help you measure progress toward the bigger goal.
To build the action plan, first, list the things you have already done or are already doing to get closer to your goal. Then add additional steps that you still need to do to accomplish your goal. Break down the activities still needed to reach your goal into small, measurable, achievable steps that you can cross off the list as you accomplish them.
Celebrate Each Accomplishment
Big goals can take a long time to accomplish. They might take a week, a month, a year, or even longer. Rather than dwelling on the end goal, focus on the smaller steps that will take you there.
To keep yourself motivated, it is essential to celebrate the small wins as each step is crossed off the list. Recognize the achievement and give yourself a little reward. You’ve earned it!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
We all struggle with life’s challenges. You don’t have to do it alone. Advice comes in different forms, from asking a friend to developing a mentor to working with a therapist.
Create a support network of people to encourage you to pursue your goal. Making your goals public to a group of encouraging supporters can improve your chances of success. They help bring about a sense of social connectedness and belonging. In their own ways, each can help you set realistic goals and then achieve them.
Be Patient and Stay Positive
It is important to know that things may not go exactly to plan. Even a SMART goal that you’ve broken down into an action plan of smaller steps may take more time to achieve than you expected.
Revise your goals if needed, but don’t stop moving forward. Any progress you make toward achieving your goal, whether a huge leap or a little step, is an improvement.
Every achievement along your journey is a positive sign to be recognized and celebrated. Stay resilient. Believe in yourself, be patient, and stay positive.
Virtual Therapist in Michigan | Breaking Dawn Therapy
Breaking Dawn Therapy is a virtual therapy business in Michigan. If you are searching for a “therapist near me” that offers virtual appointments and you live in Van Buren Township, Canton, Plymouth, or the surrounding Michigan communities, contact Kristen Stewart (LMSW-C) at (734) 457-1253.
Breaking Dawn Therapy has years of experience getting to the root of problems using an empathic approach to teach how to set realistic goals. Take the first step in your journey by contacting Breaking Dawn Therapy at (734) 457-1253 to schedule an appointment.
