If you play soccer, hockey, lacrosse, handball or polo, you know first-hand the value of scoring a goal. Getting there requires planning, skill, perseverance and practice. And the feeling of reward afterwards is awesome!
The same is true in life and in your career. To develop into a superstar, you need to determine what matters most to you, then formulate and execute the right plan to achieve your desired goals. And yes, practice makes perfect.
The Value of Goal Setting
Setting goals can help you feel more fulfilled in whatever you do. Those goals can have short or long-term timeframes; in fact, shorter-term goals are often stepping stones to larger, longer-term ones – and by starting off in smaller steps, the whole process is less intimidating and more achievable.
When you set the right goals, you can approach success with an open mind and realistic expectations. Designed to motivate you to achieve what you want most, goal setting can also help you:
- Be more aware of and open to new opportunities.
- Accept accountability for what you do to grow and develop in various areas of your life, career and relationships.
- Learn from your mistakes.
A Snapshot of SMART Goals
You may have heard of the SMART goal method, which applies specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound objectives to help you reach goals. Each element of the SMART framework contributes to result in goals that are thoughtful, well planned, clear, and easily trackable.
- S is for specific: The clearer and more specific your goal, the easier it will be to understand the steps needed to achieve it.
- M is for measurable: Setting measurable milestones along the way to reaching your goal gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate and pivot as needed along the way. And of course, you can reward yourself and celebrate as you realize successes along the way, as well as when you cross the final finish line.
- A is for achievable: Before you start working toward a goal, determine whether it’s something you can realistically accomplish at this time. Or, should you take some preliminary steps to become better prepared?
- R is for relevant: Be sure you know why a goal is important to you, how reaching it will help you, and how it will contribute toward your longer term plans. If you’re not satisfied with the answers, you may want to rethink things.
- T is for time-bound: Having an end date for your goals will help you stay motivated and prioritize tasks and deadlines. It’s important to conduct period assessments to see if you’re still on track.
The PrideStaff Fresno team can help you define, reach and exceed all your personal and professional goals, whether it means improving in your current role or moving onto your next great opportunity. We’re here to support you for the full life cycle of your career – which of course, goes hand in hand with your personal fulfillment as well. Contact us today to learn more.