Effective Goal Setting Words
The words you use in goal setting are very important.
There are different opinions amongst experts about which words
work best when you set goals - but there are also points on
which most experts agree.
Let's assume that you want to set a goal in relation to getting
fitter. Maybe you're a bit overweight or you just feel sluggish.
First, there is general agreement that the first word in your
goal statement should be 'I'.
Next, the second word should be a verb in the present tense. So
for example, rather than saying I will be fitter, it's better to
say 'I am' fitter.
Third, you need to be specific. Saying I am fitter is too vague.
Let's say that you want to be able to run a mile in 6 minutes.
You could word your goal 'I run a mile in 6 minutes'. It
may well be that currently it takes you 10 minutes to run a mile
- or maybe you can't even run a mile. Forget that. You need to
state your goal as if you can already achieve it.
Now here are two points about goal setting wording on which
experts disagree. My suggestion to you is that you test out for
yourself to see what works.
First, some people say you should put a time deadline on your
goal. Others disagree. If I was setting a new goal today, I
would not set a time deadline unless the time deadline was
significant. For example, maybe you want to lose weight by your
wedding day.
When you set a goal, and also every time when you write down you
goal or speak it to yourself, you are giving instructions to the
goal seeking part of your brain called the reticular activating system. This part
of your brain cannot tell the difference between 'truth' and
'fiction'. Your mind will help you achieve your goal regardless
of time deadlines.
Second, most goals gurus say that you should set goals which, in
your own mind, are realistically achievable. The other opinion
is that you should set goals which are possible but extremely
unlikely. I prefer to set goals which I consider to be
realistically achievable. Your mind will only help you if your
self image believes that the goal is possible. You can read more
about this in my article on psycho-cybernetics
You might also find it useful to read my article on <
B>setting goals which gives advice on other elements of
goal setting.