A Written Goal Has Much More Power Than One That Stays in Your Mind
I often quote the statement that a goal is just a dream if you fail to write it down because it's so true. In general, most people accept that they need to write their goals as it's only too easy to get side-tracked, or to lose sight of what you're working towards. For others, they may have to change their mindset in order to accept the need to implement setting goals.
A challenge that many people I work with and speak with have is that while they recognize the importance of written goals, they do not know how to write them effectively.
The first step is decide in your mind what the goal is, what the details involved will be, which would include timeframe, current status, where you'd like to be in the short term, as well as in the long term. You also have to take into consideration any external factors that may affect the outcome. Once these have been determined, you are ready to transfer you thoughts to paper or your computer.
1.  Always write your goals in positive language. For example, instead of: My goal is to lose 10 pounds in one month; you may consider: My goal is to be 10 pounds lighter at the end of one month. Or, instead of: My goal is to stop being late for appointments; you may write: My goal is to leave earlier for appointments so I will arrive on time.
2.   Ensure that you include as many details as possible. Include the why – the reason for the goal; how – the steps you will take to achieve the goal; when – the timeframe to complete the goal and intervals for checking that you're on track; who – will you be totally responsible for completing the process, or will others be involved?
3.   Be honest with yourself as to your ability, the time you can give to achieving the goal; and be realistic. You may find that after an honest evaluation of your circumstances you may have to give yourself extra time. It's best to do this evaluation before you start so that you don't lose your motivation down the road.
Once you have done these things and have them written, you'll want to print copies and keep them in strategic locations in your home office or wherever you need to, in order to be reminded of them on a daily basis.
It is interesting how writing your goal down does make it more powerful. It is almost like creating a reference point to start from.
Including as many details as possible is a good idea. It makes the goal much more concrete.
1Writing down your goals is like taking them out of the file cabinet of your mind an placing them on a desk where you can review them frequently.
I agree, details are important. If you don’t write in detail, it’s easy to forget them.
2Sheila, I like that…”creating a reference point to start from.” That’s definitely one of the things that make a written goal so powerful. You have a starting point and a place to measure your progress. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the topic.
Kathryn: Your analogy is profound. I know that I’ve personally filed away goals I’d intended to work on because life happens and I forget or get caught-up if just daily living and working. Having them on top of the desk servers as a constant reminder. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Both comments have added value to the post. Thanks, ladies! 🙂
3I really enjoyed reading this blog post, I was just itching to know do you trade featured articles? I’m constantly searching for somebody to make trades with and just thought I would ask.
4This is a great topic Yvonne! It really is an important practice! So many people I have worked with do not write their goals down, yet they have heard before how important it is. If something has been said again and again and many great leaders attest to it.. it is a wonder that more people are not using this simple and clear idea. I feel like it gives me a sense of control to know where I am going and what I am aiming to accomplish. I also love the satisfaction of crossing those targets off my list and then choosing the next project to commit to. Thank you for bringing this up!! Great stuff here!
xox
5Helen
Thanks for reading and leaving your insightful comments. I’m sure you see it a lot when you ask the follow-up questions to ‘what are your goals?’ I’ve been guilty of not writing my goals and those just fell by the wayside; whereas those I took the time to be specific about and write down for reference provided opportunities to do as you like to do – cross the target off your list then commit to the next project.
Yvonne
6Some of the ideas associated with this write-up happen to be high-quality but had me wanting to know, did they really indicate that? One thing I have to mention is certainly your authoring abilities are very excellent and I will probably be coming back again for any fresh blog post you come up with, you could possibly have a brand-new admirer. I book-marked your web page for reference.
7Hi Pia,
Thanks for leaving your comments. What do you mean when you say ‘make trades?’ Do you mean as a guest blogger? If so, who is your market and what is the name of your blog?
Yvonne
8Thank you, Cruz, and I look forward to talking with you again. You asked a question “…did they really indicate that?” but I’m not sure what you meant. Please feel free to ask the question again and I’ll be happy to respond.
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