A Guide to Goal Setting Guidelines

Sometimes goals are like wish that never comes true. But by knowing a few guidelines you can set goals the right way. Goal setting guidelines help get in a good relationship with your goals — making them achievable. You can use guidelines for business goals, personal goals, long term, short terms goal and any other type of goals.

Think of your goals as seeds of a plant. They need the right care—water, sunlight, and good soil—to grow. If you forget about them, they'll never sprout. This article is about the goal setting guidelines you need to get your goal to grow. We'll look at why you've got to want your goals, how to make sure your goals are clear and attainable, and what to when can't relate to a positive goal.

We'll walk you through the same smart steps that big achievers like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos use to reach for the stars (sometimes literally!). Even if you're not sure what your goals should be, we've got a cool trick for you: anti-goals. This means thinking about what you definitely don't want to happen, which helps you figure out what you do want.

By the time you finish this article, you'll know to use goal setting guidelines and achieve your goals.

Goal guideline 1 - Care About Your Goals.

When you’re setting goals, it’s not just about writing down a bunch of things you want to do. It’s really about how much you care about those goals. To succeed, you've got to feel strongly about your goals, they mean a lot to you personally.

Think about it: when people really go after their goals and make them happen, it’s usually because those goals mean something special to them. You should have goals that get you pumped up, goals that are close to your heart. Just wanting something isn’t enough; you’ve got to have a powerful reason for wanting it.

It's Okay to Be Driven by Positive and Negative Feelings

Lots of times, people will tell you to always stay positive when you’re going after your goals. But it’s not just the good stuff that can push you to do well. Sometimes, being a scared of what could happen if you don’t reach your goal is just as important. Look at characters from movies like Frodo from "The Lord of the Rings," who was really scared but also wanted to save his world. Or real people like Elon Musk, who started big projects like going to Mars because he was worried about what might happen to Earth. So, it’s alright if fear or worry about not making it is part of what’s driving you.

Examples That Show Why Emotions Matter in Goal Setting

When you see how some stories or real-life successes happened, you notice that feelings played a big part. Elon Musk's work shows his worries about the future led him to do amazing stuff like creating SpaceX. These stories tell us that really feeling something about your goals is super important. It’s what keeps you going and willing to work hard, even when it’s tough.

In the end, making goals that really matter to you is what will help you stick with them and make them real. It’s like turning your goals into a part of who you are and what you’re all about. As you put together your own plan for setting goals, make sure you choose goals that really light a fire in you. That’s what can make all the difference and help you win in the end.

Goal guideline 2 - Action Matters Most.

Planning goals is good, but making them happen is what really counts. Think about it like this: if you spend all your time just thinking about what you want to achieve and never actually do anything about it, you won’t get anywhere. Your goal should make you want to jump into action, not just sit around making plans; an actionable goal. What you do with your goal is way more important than how you come up with it.

How to make sure you go after your goals instead of just daydreaming about them.

If you want to make sure your goals actually get you moving, they've got to mean something to you—like, really get you fired up or even a bit scared. Here's how to do that:

1. Your goal should feel super important to you, as if something big is on the line.
2. You've got to feel like you need to start working on it right now, not later.
3. Break down your big dream into smaller goals that you can start tackling one at a time, so you know exactly what to do each day to make it happen.

Measuring goals is great. S.M.A.R.T. goals are great. But in the end it's all about follow through with goals to achieve them. Fight procrastination at all cost.

Being scared can help you get stuff done.

Believe it or not, being scared can be helpful when you're trying to achieve something. These feelings can create a sense of urgency and make you hustle to get things done. It's okay to be scared of failing or worried about not being happy if you don’t reach your goal. This kind of worry can push you to work really hard so you don't end up in a place you don't want to be.

Just like when you're playing a game and the clock is ticking down, that rush you feel is what gets you moving fast. Use that same energy when you’re working on your goals. Let it drive you to get busy, stay focused, and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

Guideline 3 - Understand the ‘Why’.

To really push yourself forward, it's key to pick goals fit with what you want out of life. When you're setting a goal, like getting healthier or climbing up the ladder at work, always ask, "Why do I want this?".

Understanding your why will guide your journey and give you a strong reason to keep going, especially when things get tough. This step is a big part of the goal-setting process—it lights a fire under you and helps you keep your eyes on the prize. When you know why you’re working so hard, even big goals feel more within reach. For instance, if you're aiming to shed some pounds or hit a target at your job, keeping in mind why you started can make a huge difference in sticking with your plan and overcoming any hurdles. This way, your goals have a clear purpose, and you have more drive to make them happen.

Goal guideline 4 - Making Your Goals Clear.

Goal setting is like planning a road trip to your favorite destination. You need a map to know where you're going and how to get there—a clear, actionable plan. Think of setting goals as making a commitment to your future self. It's crucial to articulate personal goals, understanding precisely what you want to achieve, such as landing a specific job or saving up for a car. Being clear about what you want makes it way easier to avoid procrastination and follow through with your plans.

Adding Details to Your Goals to Make Them Even Better.

Adding details to your goals makes them even more attainable. For instance, a big goal like "I want to be happy in my job" is a fantastic starting point, but what does job satisfaction entail for you? Does it mean having a work-life balance that allows you to enjoy time with friends after work? When you refine your goal to "I want a job that lets me finish work in time to see my friends," it suddenly becomes more specific and achievable. Now, you have a clearer vision of what you're aiming to accomplish.

Incorporating urgency into your goal setting can set a fire under your intentions, propelling you to move forward. By setting smaller, attainable milestones along the way, the path to your big goal becomes less daunting. For instance, rather than simply wanting to achieve the goal of saving for a car, you can visualize and determine the steps necessary to reach that goal, such as setting aside a certain amount of money each month. This strategy makes your goals clear and more likely to be realized. Remember, by setting well-defined goals and committing to them, you're taking important strides toward accomplishing the future you desire.

Goal guideline 5 - Picking a Path That Fits Your Big Dreams.

When we talk about tips for making goals, think about how you choose what you want to be when you grow up. I picked a career that matched my big dream of running my own business someday. Even when I wasn't sure it was perfect, I stuck with it because that's how you get closer to making big dreams come true. You can't give up just because you're not 100% sure—it's important to keep going.

Visualize your dream and see how accomplishing this big goal fits within the dream. If it doesn't fit, it might not be such a great goal after all.

Success Stories: Bezos and Sanders Show How It's Done

Looking at the stories of famous people can teach us a lot about sticking to goals. Take Jeff Bezos from Amazon or Colonel Sanders from KFC. Bezos didn't start Amazon right away; he worked in other jobs first. Colonel Sanders didn't open KFC until he was in his 60s! But they both didn't give up on their dreams, no matter how tough things got. They kept at it and it paid off.

Goal guideline 6 - Going Deep Instead of Spreading Yourself Thin.

When setting goals, it's better to really get into one thing instead of bouncing around a lot. It's like if you're trying to find water by digging a well—you won't get anywhere if you keep starting over in different spots. You've got to pick a place and dig deep. This is just like chasing a goal. You've got to focus and work hard at it, not keep changing your mind.

So, making goals isn't just about deciding where you want to end up. It's also about being tough and not giving up on your way there. By choosing a path that goes with your big goals, listening to stories of people who made it big, and really putting in the work, you can chase your dreams the right way.

Goal guideline 7 - When and How to Check If Your Goals Still Make Sense.

Setting goals isn't a one-time thing. You've got to keep an eye on them to make sure they still make sense for you as time goes on. This doesn't mean you doubt yourself every time something gets tough. It's more about taking some time now and then to think about your goals. Are they still important to you? Do they fit with what's most important in your life? This step is all about making sure your goals still match up with what you want in the big picture.

Sticking With It vs. Switching Things Up.

When you're after a goal, being tough and sticking with it is super important. But sometimes, being willing to change things up is just as crucial. Getting the mix right between the two isn't always easy, but it's a big part of making goals work. Being tough means not giving up when it's just a rough patch. Being willing to change means you're ready to make some tweaks to your goals when there's a big shake-up in your life or when you've given it your all, and things just aren't working out.

Figuring Out When It's Time for a Change.

Knowing when to change your goals is a big deal. Look out for a few clues: you've been trying and trying, but you're not getting anywhere; you keep running into big problems that you can't get past; or the goals you set before don't fire you up anymore or don't fit with your life now. Changing your goals isn't about failing; it's about being smart and adjusting your game plan so that you're always moving forward, even if it's in a different direction than you first thought.

Goal guideline 8 - Anti-Goals: The Reverse Compass.

Think about anti-goals like the warning signs on a hiking trail. They keep you from heading down the wrong path and getting lost. In setting up your goals, it's just as important to know what you don't want as it is to know what you do want.

Anti-goals are like the don'ts on your list. They're the outcomes you're trying to stay away from. When you're not sure what you want to achieve, knowing what you definitely don't want can help keep you on track. It's like drawing a big red line around the things you know aren't good for you.

When you can't see the finish line, anti-goals are the guardrails on the highway—they keep you from veering off into danger. If deciding on a dream job is tough, an anti-goal might be saying, "I don't want a job that makes me super stressed." That way, you can cross off certain jobs that don't fit and look more closely at the ones that might be better for your well-being.

In the first Harry Potter movie, Harry got into the group he wanted by repeating what he didn't want to the sorting head. This way, he got what he wanted.

When you're planning your own goals, don't forget to think about your anti-goals too. They're the things you work hard to stay away from. By knowing what you don't want, you can make better choices about what you do want, making sure you end up somewhere you're happy with.

Guideline 9 - Make Goals Measurable.

When you set a goal, it's like aiming for a target; it's super important to know exactly when you hit the bullseye. That's where making your goals measurable comes into play. Instead of saying, "I want to get better at math," which is pretty vague, you could say, "I aim to score at least 80% on all my math tests this term." See the difference? The second goal has a clear, measurable target. This means you can track your progress, like ticking off checkpoints on a worksheet, and you’ll definitely know when you've nailed it. It’s like setting up signposts along a trail—each one you pass is a high-five moment, showing you’re on the right path to achieving your goals. Plus, when your goal is clear and measurable, it’s easier to stay motivated and accountable—kind of like promising a friend you'll meet them at the movies at 7 PM; you've got a specific time you can't miss.

Guideline 10 - Foster Accountability.

Reaching your goals doesn't have to be something you do all by yourself. Having someone to check in with can really help you stay on track. Think of accountability like a teammate in a game - it helps keep you focused and pushes you to do better. When you tell a friend, a coach, or someone else you look up to about the goals you’ve set for yourself, it's like making a promise not just to yourself, but to them too. This can be really motivating.

They can help you keep an eye on your progress and remind you of the timeframes you’re aiming for. If your goal is to finish a big school project, get better at a sport, or save up money for something special, having someone to celebrate your wins with or to give you a nudge when you're off track can be a huge help. By bringing someone else into your goal journey, you make it more real and even more likely that you’ll get to where you want to be.

Guideline 11 - S.M.A.R.T.

Not one of the most important goal guidelines, but it is still helpful to remember the SMART goals —it's like a recipe for formatting goals. Each letter of SMART lists a specific criteria.

First up, make sure your goal is Specific. That means it's going be clear and detailed, like "I want to improve my math grades by 10%," not just "get better at math." Then, it needs to be Measurable. You'll need a way to track your progress, maybe through test scores or report cards, so you know exactly when you've hit your target. It's also got to be Attainable; aim for something challenging but possible—like climbing to the next level in a video game, not trying to fly like a bird. Your goal should be Relevant to you and what you want to achieve in the long run. Time-bound means setting a deadline. Just like how homework has due dates, your goal needs a "finish line" to keep you sprinting forward.

Remember SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Guideline 12 - Integrate Goals with Personal Values.

When you're setting goals, it's super important to make sure they match up with what's really important to you – your personal values. Think about how each goal fits into the big picture of your life and the kind of person you want to be. If your goals are in line with what you truly care about, you're going to be way more into making them happen. Plus, when you reach these goals, you'll feel great because they mean something deeper to you.

This could be anything from a life goal that makes you happier, a financial goal that helps you feel secure, or even a business goal that shows you're doing things the right way. Make sure these goals reflect what you stand for. That way, hitting each milestone feels like a real step towards the ultimate goal – a life that feels right for you.

Recap

Let's do a quick rundown of what we talked about. We talked about 7 goal guidelines that help you set strong goals.

1. Care About Your Goals.
2. Action Matters Most.
3. Understand the ‘Why’.
4. Making Your Goals Clear.
5. Picking a Path That Fits Your Big Dreams.
6. Going Deep Instead of Spreading Yourself Thin.
7. When and How to Check If Your Goals Still Make Sense.
8. Anti-Goals: The Reverse Compass.
9. Make Goals Measurable.
10. Foster Accountability.
11. S.M.A.R.T.
12. Integrate Goals with Personal Values.

Setting goals is a big deal, and you have to feel a strong connection to what you're after. It's cool to be pushed by positive vibes, but sometimes, being a bit scared or feeling the heat to get moving can actually help you get stuff done. The big point is, your goals going to make you want to jump into action. And if they're too fuzzy or broad, sharpen them up until they give you a clear picture of what to do.