How many times have you resolved to go on a diet or look for a more rewarding job only to find yourself back to your old habits within a few days? While you may be motivated to make positive changes in your life, it’s also important to use strategies that will make you more productive.
Did you know that a Harvard Business Study concluded that:
- 83% of the population do not have goals
- 14% have a plan in mind, but goals are unwritten
- 3% have goals written down
- The 14% who have goals are 10 times more successful than those without goals
- The 3% with written goals are three times more successful than the 14% with unwritten goals
Fortunately, there is a quick and simple technique that provides dramatic results at no cost and will help ensure you are in the top 3% of achievers. The secret is to make your goals more concrete.
For example, New York University psychologist Peter Gollwitzer experimented with how to make students more likely to complete an assignment. He found that students were twice as likely to finish writing an essay if they wrote down in advance when and where they were going to do it.
You may or may not know, but I am a huge Star Wars buff. Like, huge!
I remember when it first came out visiting the theater and getting to watch it 2 or 3 times in a day when I would visit my dad. They were the most amazing days!
My step brother and I used to act out some of the parts, particularly the Cantina scene (I always played Greedo, you know, the one who didn’t speak English?)
Anyway, George Lucas has this quote that I love.
“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.”
How amazing is that? It is so true, in life and in business.
And this quote has often guided my striving for my goals and achieving things I never thought possible. Through thick or thin, focusing on what I wanted is what has gotten me to where I want to be.
Imagine how much more you could accomplish if you could stick to your goals. Try these ideas for strengthening your intentions.
Using SMART Goals
You’ve probably heard the acronym SMART for setting goals. It’s one of the most popular methods because it works.
Before we go over some other pieces, let’s take a look at each part of SMART goals and why they make such a difference in achievement.
The secret is to make your goals more concrete.
Use these SMART techniques:
Be specific. This is a hard one, in part because it forces you to commit to a specific outcome. It may be difficult to know when you shape up, but you’ll be able to spot exactly when you lose 10 pounds or run a marathon.
Measure your progress. Create benchmarks that will keep you on track and allow you to check for progress and keep yourself on track. Having milestones will give you something to shoot for each day while you’re tackling a long-term project.
Make it attainable. Understand your capacity. Make your goals challenging enough to be meaningful, but still feasible if you put in the required time and work. Sometimes that means dialing it back, either because your goals are too large for the timeframe, or because you have other commitments that make attaining those goals unlikely.
Focus on results. Distinguish between the process and the outcomes. While it’s important to enjoy the journey, you also want to have something to show for your efforts. This is where you will revisit what you set up in step 2…the measurable aspect. Make sure you can look at your outcomes and say “Yes, I did it!”
Set a time limit. Working towards a deadline will help you keep your goals in sight. You’ll be less likely to let daily obligations stand in your way. As long as your goals are attainable, then the time limit will serve to help you, not overwhelm you.
Other Tips for Strengthening Your Goals
Of course, there are many ways to increase your productivity.
Use these strategies to reinforce your goals:
Announce your intentions. Letting others know what you have in mind increases the pressure in a good way. I know it can be intimidating, and that’s half the fun! Step out of your comfort zone and tell people what you’re working towards. You may be surprised by the support you get.
Ask for help. You can accomplish more when you’re willing to accept support and feedback. Team up with a friend or colleague with similar interests. Thank your family for believing in you. Find an accountability partner who will lovingly hold your feet to the fire.
Automate your choices. Turn smart decisions into habits. If you speak up in meetings on a regular basis, you’ll feel less anxious about saying what’s on your mind. If you step out of your comfort zone regularly, it will become normal for you to stretch.
Minimize distractions. Turn off the TV and limit your online browsing. Free up your leisure hours for more meaningful activities like reading, spending time with loved ones or working on a new, or old, hobby.
Develop a growth mindset. Remember that your intelligence and talents are not fixed quantities beyond your control. You can grow smarter and more accomplished when you apply yourself in any area where you want to stretch your skills. A fantastic read on this is Limitless by Jim Kwik. He is highly respected, very entertaining, and explores the limits, and lack thereof, of our own minds.
Manage stress. On the other hand, stress can sabotage your dreams. Be sure to nourish your body and mind with nutritious food, regular exercise, and adequate rest so you’re ready to take on new demands. Carve out quiet time for yourself so you can allow your creative mind to calm things down and find solutions to your problems. This is a game changer.
Reward yourself. Give yourself incentives along the way. Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink when you deliver an impressive presentation. Take a vacation to celebrate earning an advanced degree. Set rewards for reaching your milestones so you keep yourself engaged and excited about your goals.
Hang in there. Perseverance pays off. Think long term and make plans for how to deal with obstacles so you can pick yourself back up when you slip. I know it can be hard, but if you want to win the race you’ve got to stay in it!
If you want to enjoy more success, set concrete goals and write them down. Strengthening your goals will help keep you motivated and increase your chances of reaching your objectives.
