How to Set Goals Properly and Actually Achieve Them

Why Are Goals Important?

Almost everyone knows the story of Alice in Wonderland. On her travels, she comes to a fork in the road and asks the Cheshire Cat for advice: Which path should she take? The Cheshire Cat asks back where she wants to go. Alice thinks about it and explains that she doesn't really care. The Cheshire Cat responds: Then it doesn't matter which path Alice takes. And so Alice wanders aimlessly.

Many people are like Alice. Studies show that very few people have clearly defined, elaborated goals and don't know what they want. Most of those who do have dreams have no plan for how to realize them.

Not having clear goals brings several negative effects. When we're not aware of the reasons for our actions, we shy away from risks and obstacles and are less persistent in our efforts.

On the other hand, clearly defined goals motivate us, and we're willing to put more effort and energy into our work when we know what we're doing the work for, when we pursue a clear goal that we've set for ourselves beforehand.

Clear goals give our lives structure. When we have a purpose in our lives, something like an ultimate goal, we wake up every morning knowing exactly what we need to do to reach our goal.

We don't waste unnecessary time and energy on doubt and negativity, and our actions make sense because we can align them with our goal. We have constant feedback on our own progress and motivation to expand our abilities, always seeking new challenges that make us better and bring us a little closer to our goal.

A clear goal in life is perhaps the most important prerequisite for a productive life in flow.

How Do I Set Goals and How Can I Achieve Them?

People often find it surprisingly difficult to become clear about what their goals are. Goals are often set too generally ("Be happy") or too specifically ("New phone").

Goal-finding should be a deliberate process and follow certain rules. For goal-finding, we need three steps:

1. Position Assessment

Position assessment is about understanding what phase of life we're currently in. When selecting a goal, we should first try to get to know ourselves better. What are our fears, what have we achieved in life, what are our views and roles?

2. Goal Finding

Goal finding is about seeing where motives from the position assessment lead us. How do we want our future to look, which goals are more important to us and which less important?

3. Action Planning

Action planning is crucial because it firstly helps us achieve our goals and secondly additionally motivates us to actually tackle the implementation of our goals.

Practical Prerequisites for a Good Goal

A good goal is a goal you can achieve. And the most important thing in achieving your goal is proper goal-setting:

I'm clear about why I'm pursuing this goal

Perhaps the most important question about the goal. Be sure you're aware of your motivation when achieving a goal. Your motivations are the most important step because they decisively limit your goals.

I write down my goals

Writing down goals helps make them concrete and remind you of them.

I describe them in specific and measurable terms

It's important to describe your goals in measurable and specific terms so you can monitor your progress precisely and always get clear feedback.

I visualize my goals

Mentally playing through a goal (visualization) psychologically binds us to it and has an additional motivating effect.

My goals are achievable

It's important not to build castles in the air, but to be able to correctly assess your abilities and accordingly set challenging but not unattainable goals.

Manageable units

Big goals should be approached in stages. You don't win the Tour de France in one race. You should divide your big goals so that achievement is always concretely within reach.

Problems that might prevent me from achieving

You should be aware from the start of what problems you might encounter on your path, so you won't face unpleasant surprises.

I get feedback and monitor my progress

Regular feedback helps you stay on course.

I recognize the personal reward of my efforts

You can effectively set goals when you become clear about why you're pursuing these goals, logically divide them, describe them in specific terms, and monitor your progress.