Last updated on December 31st, 2019 at 03:17 pm
Goal setting is defined as the process of identifying something that you want to accomplish and establishing measurable goals and timeframes to achieve it. There are three types of goals: short-term, intermediate, and long-term.
When you first start your dream journey, it is best to begin with short-term, manageable goals that you can accomplish in a limited timeframe.
Starting with small goals will help you build confidence in the direction you are trying to go. You can list your intermediate and long-term goals, but begin your dream journey with small, simple tasks.
When it comes to a big dream like becoming a triathlete after the age of 40, your first short-term goal might be to buy a decent pair of running shoes then vow to put them on at least once a day.
Once you have created the daily habit to put on your running shoes as an accomplished short-term goal, the next short-term goal may be to go out your front door and walk down the block–whether you feel like it or not.
Each short-term goal builds upon the last one as a habit until you find you can run short distances. An intermediate goal might be to run/walk your first 5k marathon, or if that goal feels too daunting, maybe you join a beginners’ running group as an intermediate goal. Your long-term goal may be to participate in an Ironman event, but you want to allow yourself plenty of time to assess where you are at physically and mentally while working on your short-term goals. Once you feel you have a good running habit going, you may then want to incorporate a weekly swim or begin looking at what kind of bicycle you will need.
One of the main reasons dreamers quit attempting to achieve a big dream is they lack a plan. Having short-term, intermediate and long-term goals help you set a plan for achieving your dream.
Here are my 8 tips for Goal Setting
1. Be aware.
Be focused on the moment. Focus only on what you can do right now.
2. Be consistent.
Schedule regular blocks of time for your goal as if it’s an important appointment you must keep.
3. Be measurable.
Look at a shortlist of immediate goals and complete them in a reasonable length of time.
4. Be time-critical.
Set time constraints for your short term and immediate goals. “I will complete this by . . .”
5. Be realistic.
Is this really a goal you have the capacity to accomplish? What is it you ultimately want from your big dream?
6. Be focused.
Pick one thing. Focus on one thing at a time.
7. Be visible.
Write down your goals. Did you know that writing down goals helps you accomplish more? Write down: What is the goal? What is the purpose of the goal? What are you willing to do to achieve it? What resources are available to you? What are the obstacles you need to overcome?
8. Be committed.
Figure out what are the commitment triggers that will engage you to do what you might otherwise not want to do. It might be to have a buddy system, joining a group, placing your alarm in the other room with your running shoes so you are forced to get out of bed to shut it off, snapping a rubber band on your wrist when you begin to talk yourself out of your commitment–whatever works to get you moving forward.
Watch out for fear to show up as different negative emotions. Change can be challenging and it’s human nature for your subconscious mind to resist change in order to keep you safe whether it’s good for you or not. Know that every one working towards something new and challenging experiences fear. The only way to overcome fear is to do the thing you think you cannot do. Don’t let fear stop you.
Here’s television host, best-selling author, and motivational speaker, Mel Robbins on Goal Setting —
Once you develop the habit of successful goal-setting and begin to achieve small objectives, you will see forward movement in your big dream journey.
Heather Montgomery
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Heather Montgomery is a fitness writer, triathlete, and serial entrepreneur who is devoted to sharing what she has learned about becoming a triathlete after age 40. She uses her Metabolic Training Certification to help other women struggling to get fit in mid-life. She lives and trains in Santa Rosa, California, the new home of the Ironman triathlon. You can find her biking the Sonoma County wine trails.
Note: Articles by Heather may contain affiliate links and will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
