This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more
These goal setting tips will help you be more productive and motivated to complete your tasks every day, setting you up for a brighter and more productive future.
Goal Setting Tips
So let’s jump right in, and start working toward getting through your to-do list and smashing your targets, for the better.
Want some help setting your goals? Be sure to go scroll to the end of this article for your free goal tracker printable which you can download and print off today.
1. Set Realistic Goals
When you’re setting goals, you have to be honest with yourself. You know your limits and how long things take you to complete.
If you’re a writer, for example, work out how many words you can write in a day. Don’t use other people as your benchmark. That way, you won’t set writing goals that will overwhelm you.
There’s no point in setting a goal to write ‘one post a day’ if it usually takes you 2-3 days. You’ll give up very quickly if you overwhelm yourself.
2. Focus on Only 1-3 Major Goals
Prioritize what is most important to you. Don’t try to do everything!
Fewer goals will stop you from feeling overwhelmed. It will give you 1-3 core reasons to keep believing and doing what you’re doing.
3. Break Down Each Goal into a Series of Small Tasks
A goal is great but you need a clear path to achieving that goal. You don’t just ‘make one million dollars.’ There’s a series of tasks you have to do to get there.
Get specific with your tasks. Make them small and achievable over a short period of time. Once all those tasks are added up, then you’ll achieve greater success. But start small and simple.
4. Start Your Day by Tackling the Biggest Goal or Task
Think about what task takes up most of your time and energy. Prioritise this task, and do it first.
Even if you don’t finish it in one sitting, it will set up the rest of your day well. You won’t have that looming feeling over your head of doing something you know takes a lot of time and energy.
Most people have the most energy in the morning. If that’s you, use that energy to tackle the biggest task as early as you can. As the day goes on, do the smaller tasks you find easier. These will take you less of your energy.
5. Give Yourself More Time
We overestimate what we can do in a day and underestimate what we can achieve in a year. Daily and weekly goals and tasks always take longer than we expect.
Sometimes, we come across challenges that need to be solved. Other times, our productivity just isn’t that high.
So, overestimate the time you need to accomplish your task. The odds are you’ll get it just right then.
6. Track Your Progress
Track the most important metrics. This way, you’ll understand how long things take. Also, you’ll learn when you’re most productive.
Set numbers and specifics for your tasks. Use apps like Be Focused to time your day. Record all tasks and when you achieve them. Apps like Trello or Monday help you track your goals and to-dos.
7. Reassess Your Goals Periodically
Things change. Sometimes, the goals we set are unrealistic. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals and tasks accordingly.
Revisit your goals every couple of months as a whole. For your day-to-day tasks, add more or take away depending on how much you’re getting done.
8. Visualize Achieving Your End Goal
Visualize you’ve already achieved your end goal. What does that look like? Imagine every detail. What does it feel like, what does it look like, and how long did it take you to get there?
Keep these visualizations in your mind. Use them to motivate you when you’re tired. Use them to drive you on to complete your tasks.
Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it for a reason. Never lose sight of that ultimate end goal. It is the foundation on which you build everything.
9. Use a Goal-Setting Planner and Tracker
Digital apps are great. But for many people, planning is best done physically with a pen and paper. The physical act of writing stimulates the brain more than typing into an app.
Goal-setting planners are an excellent way to plan your days, weeks, and months. You can design them the way you like them. Print them off, write your goals, and feel proud as you tick them off.
10. Just Don’t Give Up
Most people fail because they give up too soon. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Every day you get smarter, faster, and better at achieving your goals.
You have to commit to your goals and see them through. There will be good days, and there will be bad ones. During the bad days, visualize your ultimate goal and tell yourself to keep going.
Ultimately, it is you who decides whether you achieve your goals or not. No one else will do it for you. Stay true to your goals. Understand it will take time. And keep going, no matter what.
As mentioned at the start of the article, you can download our goal-setting planner & tracker for free here.
Related Reading: Morning Routine: 10 Excellent Habits That Will Improve Your Life