How To Create Realistic Goals
One of my goals is to help people like YOU gain success, happiness and knowledge through my stories and tips. Creating this blog was a part of this achievement. I hope my goal setting formula helps you as well! Please share your comments, stories and suggestions. Thank you!
the best goal formula: s.m.a.r.t goals - specific, measurable, Achievable, relevant, and time-Based.
Step 1: Have a Brainstorm Session & List out all Your relevant Goals
Begin by opening up your favorite notebook or writing on a wipe-board. For me, this is the fun part - simply letting your mind wander and thinking about your dreams. The more specific the goal, the better. As for me, I enjoy numerical goals because they are easily measurable.
I like to create goals in 4 Categories: Health, Finances, Relationships, Experiences & Spirituality. Create 3-5 specific goals for each section. Here are some examples:
Health - I want to run a 10 minute mile, I want to lose 15 pounds, I want to eat 90 grams of micronutrients everyday, I want to do 20 consecutive push-ups
Finances / Business - I want to make an extra $1,000 each month, I want to save 3 months of revenue in my emergency fund, I want to start my ROTH IRA investment portfolio in 2 months, I want 500 YouTube subscribers in 3 months
Relationships - I want to go on a weekly date with my partner, I want to call my long-distance relatives every week, I want to play and have quality time with my children on the weekends when they’re home from school
Experiences - I want to find a new hobby to lean on when I feel stressed, I want to spend more time in nature, I want to visit a new country in 1 year
Spirituality - I want to find a new podcast to listen to every morning that speaks to my spirituality/religion, I want to volunteer at my place of worship once a month, I want to have more friends to talk about my spirituality/religion with
You’ll notice that most of these goals are time-orientated. The more specific the goal, the better and the easier it will be to plug it into your new daily schedule.
Step 2: Create Actionable Steps That Will Get You Closer To Your Goal
Example 1: Let’s figure out how you’re going to take action. One of the goals is “I want to go on a weekly date with my partner”
Action steps:
Find baby-sitter or trusted family members
Find day and time that aligns with my partner’s schedule
Budget in date costs
Pre-prepare anything the kids might need (Ex: crockpot dinner for the kids & babysitter)
Make sure to be prepared prior to the date (Ex: Get personal/work needs taken care of before the excursion so I can fully show up & be present for my partner)
As you can see, if you’re a parent there’s a lot that goes into having a date. It’s definitely not the same from when we were childless! Nonetheless, some prior thinking goes into preparing a smooth date even if you don’t have kids. It’s really the thought that counts.
Example 2: Here’s another example. Let’s say I want to become a home-owner by this time next year. In 12 months I want to have enough money to comfortably pay my downpayment.
Action Steps:
Build Credit Score
Get Approved for FHA Loan (That’s 3.5% downpayment on a home. Let’s say the downpayment amount is $7,000).
Save $585 each month - Do I need to cut down on expenses or add a new revenue of income? This may require some extra thought and life-revaluation.
Create new life budget to get closer to saving enough funds for my downpayment.
Step 3: break down your goal’s habits into months & weeks
For me this system really helps me look at my goal’s timeline.
You might have the same recurring goal happening each month and that’s okay! Consistency is key.
Let’s take the home example - to make the downpayment on a house, you’ll need to save $585 every month to save up $7,000 in 1 year. So you’ll write “Save $585” in each month. You can even organize the goal into something weekly, such as every Monday that’s when you transfer your $585 to your savings account at a different bank. (Pro-Tip: Having a savings account at a different bank than your checking account is super handy)!
As life changes your current goal may need to be tweaked. LEt’s say your business takes off and you made an extra unexpected 3k. You can put that money in a certificate of deposit meant to go toward your home’s downpayment. Yay! Now instead of saving $585 each month, you just have to save $333 each month. What a nice number! Let’s hope things take a turn for the best and the odds are ever in your favor.
Having a plan written out is great for even if life begins to give us struggles. We will at least know how we can get back on track instead of panicking and not knowing where to go. Think of these templates as a life road-map that will help you get to your destination.
Step 4: Create a New day-to-day schedule
Now that you have your goals in order, you’re going to need to switch up the way you live each day. Small habits create bigger habbits, which then create the reality we’re living. Need a fresh start? I welcome you to download my free “Fresh Weekly Schedule”. You can download this, print it out as many times as you want & take an in-depth look at your days ahead.
Step 5: Now Go Get ‘Em!
Now you’re all set and ready to conquer your goals! I suggest checking in to see how you’re doing a little before the end of each month. Sometimes adjustments need to be made especially when life throws us curve balls. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you find enjoyment and fun in the rest of your day. Take care!
