How to Set Goals That Work

Second, you should have some idea of how you are going to complete this goal, though you should not expect to know all of the details, or even most of the details. The important part of the howis to outline at least some of the basic next steps to start moving toward your goal. Using the example above, one of the hows might include the purchase of a 30 foot sailboat (maybe until now, you’ve only owned a 19 foot day sailor) by age 50. Other hows might include taking a celestial navigation course, taking some shorter overnight trips in advance, reading a book about other captains who have performed similar journeys, etc.

Finally, you need to be very clear as to why you want to achieve this goal. Most people fail to achieve their goals because in the end, they do not have a big enough why-is-this-goal-important. Again, using the example goal above, I want to demonstrate a weak why and a strong why. Weak why: “I think it would be fun”. Strong why: “I want to do this for my brother John who I love so dearly and who, since losing his eyesight, has not been able to do what he loves most, captain his sailboat. Sailing across the Atlantic with John would be an incredible experience, and a celebration of the close relationship we’ve had for all of these years. In addition, it would be a great example to set for my grown children (and their children), who should always remember that strong family and close relationships are the most valuable things in life.”

So remember these three steps to setting powerful goals: Define the what/when, how and why. Once you’ve defined your goals, review them often. I like to review my goals once a month. And if sometimes the winds of circumstance change, I’ll adjust my goals and reset my course. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the ride each day. Goals are not the means to happiness, fulfillment and joy. Being present to the wonder of life each day is how you find joy. Goals simply give us purposeful paths to follow so that we can fully experience the joy of living.