Goal Getting, Not Just Goal Setting: How to Define Your Goal

You’re motivated. You’re excited. You know what you want. But how are you going to actually get it?
Goal setting is one of the most recognized ways of making dreams into reality. But why stop there? Setting a goal is good — but getting it is far better.
When you have something you want to accomplish, it’s imperative to remember that planning is only half of the battle. A good plan will get you where you want to go — but you still have to ignite your plan by taking steps out in the real world.
Ready to start turning your dreams into reality?
Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success by Defining Your Goal
When you have something big you want to achieve, it’s best to pinpoint it in no uncertain terms. Do you want to run the race, or do you want to win the race? Do you want to start a business or own a business? Start by getting crystal-clear on what it is you want to do. Here are a few tried-and-true ways of doing this:
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
“S.M.A.R.T.” stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Based. Do you know exactly what you want? How will you be able to prove you achieved it? Is it something that is actually possible, and not a vague concept? Is it a stretch goal, but not so far that it’s impossible? Is it something you’ll be able to begin working towards in the next few months?
B.H.A.G. Goals
“B.H.A.G.” stands for Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. This is a slightly different way of thinking about you goals, especially if they are personal and not business-related. Is your goal something that scares — but also excites — you? Is it big and wonderful? Are you shooting for the moon, or just the stars?
Bucket List Goals
In popular culture, a “bucket list” names all of the things you want to do before you die. It’s a great way of articulating and discovering new goals and what really matters to you in life. Most people think about their bucket list in terms of having many decades to check off all the items — but what if you only had six months? What if you only had one month? If you use the bucket list method, challenge yourself to create three or more different lists for different time frames, such as one year, five years, and fifteen years from today.
Think of this step as if you were on an archaeological dig. You’re seeking out your buried dreams and goals, dusting them off, and evaluating them to reveal their true essence. So jump in and start digging! Use brainstorming, journaling, lists, charts, or sketches to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper. You might just uncover some life-changing goals you never knew you had!
Come back soon to find out how to continue your Goal Getting mission by understanding what type of goal yours is and making a roadmap to success.