how to set goals
I am about to make goal setting easy, fun, and actually doable for you.
When it comes to goal setting, there are many people who have their own unique formula for goal setting.
Think the Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte where you map out the feelings you want to feel when you reach your goals. Or Mel Robbins 5 second rule where she counts down from 5 in order to get things done. Or one of my absolute favorite books, Ask Your Guides by Sonia Choquette where you learn simple and practical tips to communicate with your astral realm cheerleaders.
Maybe we could even throw in the general manifestation process where you visualize what you want and act as if it's already here...
I'm going to take goal setting even a step further than simple SMART goals or a specific formula. Not that these unique formulas are in any way wrong, some of them have worked wonders for me! But because what I've discovered in my two years of being a life coach, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to setting goals; or anything else for that matter.
Everything that I've seen be successful for myself and my clients in terms of goals is crafting them to be super specific and customized to each person. We lace in some accountability, obstacle exploration, identity reflection, and a delicious celebration and we have a holistic, exciting, customized, and unique approach to goal setting that works specifically for YOU.
A quick note on tangible vs intangible goals {why does nobody talk about this?!}:
A tangible goal is super clear & measurable, for example manifesting a partner, saving up $7,000 in your bank account, or working towards a sleek new car. An intangible goal is a little more intuitive, open-ended, and esoteric such as being happier, being more present, increasing self-love, or having better self-talk.
If you carve out a few extra minutes to make your intangible goals more measurable then you will know exactly what you are aiming for. Defining that goal by crafting it into a specific picture will make it much more attainable and measurable. Even if it's something you think you should only bring to therapy {more info below in step 1}.
How to set goals:
Define your goal: the first step is to decide on your goal and this will sound cheesy, but run it through the SMART goal process! It NEEDS to be specific.
If your goal is more intangible and not necessarily physical, such as being happier, define that goal and make it specific.
What will reaching that goal look like? What does it mean to be happier? How will you know when you've reached that goal?
When you were happy in the past, what was going on? Paint a picture so that you clearly know when you're there.
2. Define the Action Items: define the daily or weekly action items that will be moving you seamlessly towards this goal of yours. Remember to keep checking in with yourself that you are not creating an overwhelming list but a list that feels good and is realistic.
3. Set a date: pick a date you'd like to have this goal achieved and write it somewhere. It can be a journal, a Google Doc, on your fridge, write it on your bathroom mirror, anywhere you will see it often.
4. Find your Why: ask yourself why you want this goal. What makes this goal important to you? What amazing things will you get to experience when this goal is met?
This is very important in terms of how to set goals. The meaning will help with the motivation.
5. Rate Your Goal: How bad do you want it? Literally on a scale of 1-10 how bad do you want this goal? Finding yourself at a 5 or 6? What would bring the desire for this goal up to a 10?
6. Pre-detect the Obstacles: intuitively dig into what could get in the way of this goal. What obstacles could prevent you from reaching this goal? If you can't find any, think back to obstacles from the past that got in the way.
7. Set Yourself up for Obstacle Success: now ask yourself how you will move through these obstacles successfully? Think back to a time in the past where you encountered blocks or obstacles and what helped you get through them.
It could be venting to a friend, emotional support, reminders, resources that help with mindset, accountability partners, mantras, guided meditations, the sky is the limit.
Most of my clients experience obstacles such as overwhelm, self-doubt, mindset, forgetting, wanting to do too much, etc. So really think on this, what helps you move through these things successfully whatever the obstacles may be present for you?
8. Accountability: reflect on how you will hold yourself accountable to this goal. Whether it's a daily accountability piece or a weekly one.
Some ideas could be a phone reminder, a phone alarm, sticky notes around the house, writing it in a planner, writing it on a dry erase calendar, using Google calendar, time blocking, etc.
Something that has been super delightful to myself and my clients is making it ritualistic. This means setting a sacred space and getting cozy with all your favorite things. Then set aside that time to do whatever necessary action items are required for your goal {determined by you of course}.
Ideas could be getting cozy with blankets, grabbing your favorite tea or glass of wine, lighting candles, lighting incense, turning on your favorite background music. You could also cook yourself a delicious meal or order takeout, grab your favorite ice cream, and then do the damn thing!
9. Self-acknowledgment: while you are on the path to this goal, what can you acknowledge yourself for right now, even before the goal is achieved? This helps you embody the future you who already has this goal accomplished.
10. Reward + Celebration: this is the most fun part! Think about how will you celebrate when you reach this goal. What is something super fun you want to do, don't get to do often, or have been wanting to try?
Make the celebration super delicious and exciting that way it gives you something super special to look forward to. Rewarding yourself increases your motivation and rewires your brain to be more positive.
Happy manifesting & goal-achieving friends! If you'd like support on your journey with some life coaching, book a free consultation with me.
