Goal setting

In my last blog, I mentioned coaching and taking the next step towards your goals. So today, I thought I would share the secrets of successful goal setting.

My first tip would be forget the 'should do's', 'oughts to's', and 'must do's' and set yourself goals that you really want to achieve and be clear about why you want to achieve them. This will help you to develop goals which are motivational and with which you are totally committed.

When you have decided what you want to achieve, consider how you can phrase the goals positively. This will help you to move you towards what you want, rather than away from what you don't want and enable you to maintain focus.

I would also suggest that you set yourself time limits to help you to plan and monitor your achievement.

Make your goals realistic and achievable. If your goals seem too big they will appear impossible to achieve. So you may find it easier to break them down into manageable chunks that are more within your control.

Next, write down your new clear goals and pin them up somewhere you will see everyday. This will help you to regularly focus on your objectives.

What I would like you to do is to consider how you will feel once you have achieved your ultimate goals. What will you see? What will you hear? How will you feel? Spending time visualising yourself achieving your goals can be a great motivator and really spur you on.

You may also want to get support for your goals. Tell a partner, friend or colleague who can support you to achieve your targets and celebrate your successes.

Can I suggest one more important tip to maintain motivation? Remember to reward yourself for your achievements each step along the way, whether you buy yourself a gift, have a glass of champagne or an evening out!