A Step By Step Goal Setting Method That Will Work for You!

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible." Tony Robbins

How ironic is this? A guide to step by step goal setting written by someone who detests lists and has spent years of consistent effort avoiding long-range planning. In this editorial room, a good case could be made that my "I" type personality is the least likely source to give you a smart frame work for goal setting.

We have a proven list builder who could give you lots of details. But we decided it should come from my viewpoint. We thought my journey would reach more people. And along the way something incredible happened. The member of our editorial team who courageously shared the personal story about how to stop being codependent, offered another testimonial.

That latest share gave this page even more focus as part of our core value to simplify leadership development. It reminded me about how other personality types look at the same things a little differently. We'll include part of that testimonial in this page. Look for it in blue. 

Why Goal Setting is Important

This was my first hurdle and the most important question. I was doing okay by just winging it. Why did I need a plan for step by step goal setting? I was doing okay. Better off than some, not as good as others in certain areas. Then I heard someone tell me, "good is the enemy of best."

All of my adult life, I felt a passion to use whatever talents I might have to make a difference in people's lives. The ideas were there in abundance, but the procedures were not always there. And it always seemed like something would come up that would distract me or send me in another direction.

There were many good starts, but not enough good finishes. And that life clock kept ticking. At the end of life, most people don't regret the things they've done as much as the things they didn't try or complete.

don't like lists two

You read about our type "C" editor who is a champion list-builder, but didn't like talking to people. Regarding things we don't want to do, the good news is that we don't have to like it. We just have to do it.

So I followed that advice. I didn't have to like putting time into following a step by step goal setting plan. And I found this to be true. Goal setting and time management go hand in hand. The time I spent learning the framework for smart goal setting gave me back free time for fun stuff.

And the good ideas I started were completed with good results. I also built in a personal reward system for each achieved goal. Then every success brought another reward. Now I can tell you that goal setting has brought with it, extra hours of fun and satisfaction. My passion for helping people now produces completed, positive results.

My life centers around overcoming codependency. It is a daily work in progress. Before I could even think about using my talents for good, I had to get out of the deep hole that kept me miserable and depressed. I used the step by step goal setting plan you will read about in this page and I added something that might help some of you.

I learned this early on in my journey away from codependency. I made every decision a goal. Those of you who are passionate and confident might not need this step, but some of the people reading this page will benefit from it.

I needed something very easy, and very common-sense. Rewards for me were a little different. At first, an accomplished goal offered me a little inner peace and a little more belief in myself. That was enough. I was able to make decisions with confidence. This plan will help you do the same.

Hard decisions, painful choices will be made easier, maybe not easy, but easier if you turn every decision into a goal. Your brain will turn off negative self-talk and switch to problem-solving mode.

At the end of this page, we also included a link to another program that is a "C" personality type's dream. Lots of layers and cohesive steps. For the rest of us, well, we like direct, simple, fun, and effective. That plan will be right after this next section. You'll love it.

Step By Step Goal Setting

When the "why" is answered, the "how" becomes simple. I was directed to a favorite source in my quest for a process of enjoyable, effective step by step goal setting. The fact that the source was an expert in making people feel better was a bonus. Here are 7 steps for goal setting from Zig Ziglar. I would rather call them 7 steps for goal achievement.

1.) Identify the goal. Be clear in your mind what your goal is and why you want to achieve it. Be sure it is something you are willing to put in the work for, because if not, it won't work. Write all this down, ( I know. Lists! Yuck! But this is a short list) as this will help you clarify in your own mind if it is really worth the work and if you need to go forward with the next six steps.

2.) List the benefits. In this spot I always add my reward for when I achieve the goal. Also include longer term benefits like increased self-confidence, better communication skills, more free time, and anything that will add fire to your drive to achieve each goal.

3.) List any obstacles you know you will face. Along the way, you might find new obstacles, but for most of us, we know right off what might cause us to have to dig deeper or get some help. Obstacles aren't roadblocks, just things we have to go over, around, or through. That's why we listed the benefits of success first.

4.) List the skills and any specific knowledge you will need to accomplish the goal. You might need to do some research or maybe ask an expert about your targeted goal. Which leads right into.....

5.) List the people who can help you based on their experience or unique skills. It's okay to get some help. It gets you to the reward part much quicker.

6.) Create an action plan. This will be based on the first five steps. You know the goal, you know why you want it, you know about potential obstacles, you know if you need new skills or someone with particular talents to help you. Write down the steps you will take in this plan to get to that goal. Some goals don't have any obstacles, some don't require any new skills because you already have them inside you.

7.) Set a deadline for accomplishment. This was one I struggled with at first. As I wrote at the beginning of this page, I didn't always finish what I started. The seven step plan helped me in so many areas and setting a firm deadline was the most important part.

While our lead author in this page didn't need all the steps listed above for every goal, for a long time I did. The problem was that too often, I skipped number five. There was no way I would ask for help in reaching a goal, because they might ask me questions. Questions led to long "woe is me" monologues that just drove away anyone who could objectively offer help.

Then I figured out how to detach and things started to move forward. You might not need every step for every goal. I did and I still use all seven, even in the smallest goal. It just works for me. It has become a habit and while I'll probably never revel in crossing off things on a list as much as another of our co-editors, it sure does make me happy to reach new goals. You can do it too. Follow the list and work your action plan.

Higher Expectations for Goal Setting and Time Management

I don't like lists. I do like rewards. Every one of my achieved goals has a reward depending on the size of the goal. Some examples could be as simple as an ice cream sundae. Some are bigger. All bring happiness.

As my effectiveness in setting goals using the 7 step process grows, my vision grows as well. I see more opportunities to help more people. I see more chances to guide people toward simplifying leadership skills and showing them how to use their immense talents to lift our nation.

Maybe I was the right person in the editorial room to write this page. As you've read in other pages, we feel like if we can do something, all of you reading this can do it too.

tsunami

A tsunami of young, responsible leaders who put service above self.

Something for the Type "C" Detail People

For all you type "C" people who love lists and charts, we'll share a link to another step by step goal setting program. You get to build charts with details and more lists that allow you check off boxes. Not for me, but you detail people will love the program called "1 3 5 goal setting", found in this link.

For the rest of us, Zig has the smart framework for goal setting that will work. Remember to make every decision a goal and reward yourself for every success.

Can you imagine a younger generation setting goals to do something every month to lend a hand that will lift someone up? Then that person will pay it forward and help someone else to help themselves? We have a separate page all about goal setting activities for students.

One of our goals with this website is to create a tsunami of young, responsible leaders who put service above self. You can all be part of that goal by sharing your expertise and your creativity.

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