How to Set Realistic Goals

William F. Doverspike, Ph.D.
drwilliamdoverspike.com
770-913-0506

Behavioral psychologists believe that goals are important because they provide focus and direction. Goals allow people to plan ahead, accomplish tasks, and move forward. Goals can be altered, updated, or changed completely. Rather than feeling like victims, goal-oriented people usually feel a sense of achievement when setting and achieving goals. Without goals, people drift through life without any sense of direction or purpose. People can learn a simple tip from the way children achieve goals: They believe. Achieving goals requires action plus time. Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a short period of time, yet they underestimate what that can achieve over a long period of time. The following guidelines provide some tips for setting and reaching goals successfully.

• Decide what you want.
• Find out what it takes to succeed.
• Set action goals that are your goals.
• Make goals clear, concise, and concrete.
• Set goals that are specific, difficult, and realistic.
• Make goals measurable and give them a time frame.
• Write down your goals and review them every week.
• Organize yourself around your action goals each day.
• Visualize and believe in yourself accomplishing goals.
• Surround yourself with people who believe in your goals.
• Focus on concrete, specific actions rather than on results.
• Break your big goals down into smaller goals (objectives).
• Break long-term goals down into shorter-term goals (objectives).
• Set daily and weekly objectives (steps toward your short-term goals).
• Set up an evaluation system to get regular feedback on your progress.
• Focus on a positive approach (e.g., increase, improve) rather than a negative one.