Five Ways to Set Attainable Goals for Yourself

By John Burnette

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When you really want to succeed, the best way to do it is by setting attainable goals. If there is a large task to be done, it may be difficult to even get started. Just by thinking about each stressful component you may feel like quitting before you even begin. If you set goals for yourself however, the large task can be broken down into smaller tasks, which will be much less overwhelming. Give yourself more time for each goal and follow through.

Use these key steps when creating attainable goals for yourself and you will be sure to succeed.

1) Be Realistic

One of the most difficult parts of goal setting is being realistic. When setting goals, we often want to jump to the largest goal we can possible dream of. However, it is much more productive to set several smaller goals. Begin with setting a small goal that can be accomplished in a week. Then, after meeting that goal, try another smaller goal.

When you are reaching the smaller goals with ease, create goals that may take two weeks and so on. By creating smaller goals, you are constantly succeeding. This is great for confidence and will help you want to keep going toward your goal destination. If you set goals that are too large, then you are more likely to give up because you won’t feel good about not meeting them.

2) Create a Timeline

Giving your self a small timeline for each small goal is the best way to keep on track. If you are trying to get through a project, designate one task for the project for each day. The goal of each day is to get through that specific task. This will help you concentrate on the components of the task, without being overwhelmed by the big picture. You will be able to feel great and be less stressed about your accomplishments by using a timeline.

It is best to stick with weekly timelines. This will allow for no overwhelming feelings to occur. If you plan your goals for months ahead, you may get overwhelmed and want to quit. So, live weekly with your goals.

3) Envision the Big Picture

This step can be a bit tricky. When working toward smaller goals that you have set, you want to always keep in mind the big picture and what you are working to accomplish. It is good to envision the finished product. It will help you stay on track and focus on why you are even doing your goals. You should not however get so tied up in the big picture that you feel down when you accomplish your small goals.

Your small goals all lead up to the big picture. They are like puzzle pieces that are helping you create a beautiful product. So, remember the big picture, but don’t stress over it!

4) Set Yourself Up

When you are trying to reach a goal, there are several things you should do before you begin. One great thing to do is print off affirmations that pertain to your goal. Post these affirmations in your bathroom, bedroom, on your computer desk, and in your car. Everyday you should look at these affirmations and read them aloud to yourself. The more you do this, the more convincing you will sound. After a while, you will believe what you are reading.

Affirmations are great ways to build your confidence and help you stay on track. For instance, if you are trying to lose weight, you can post affirmations that state, "I can eat healthy today", or "I am beautiful". These are perfect for the task of losing weight. Develop your own affirmations that pertain to each specific goal you may have. If you are a religious individual, you may want to include Bible verses along with your affirmations.

5) Support

No matter what your particular goals may be, you should always have supportive people helping you along the way. If you have family near, then tell them about your goals and let them know that you will appreciate any support they may give you. Your friends and co-workers are great sources of support as well.

If you are facing something that you would rather not involve your family and friends in, consider seeking local anonymous support groups or online support groups. Having the proper support at time when you feel like quitting is the best way to succeed.