Setting Realistic Goals

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Even goal oriented people don't always get things right. We occasionally work towards a goal that turns out to be beyond our reach. The goal we set out to accomplish was simply not realistic.

You’ve probably been taught to "never give up", and "don't be a quitter".

Once we set a goal, we're expected to be in it for the long haul, so we're determined to succeed no matter what.

But, what if the goal is unreachable?

This is why it's important to start setting realistic goals.

How can you tell if the goal was realistic in the first place? The truth is, you can't always tell, but by putting some extra thought and effort into the goal setting process, you can more often than not avoid unrealistic goals, and devote our energy to those that are realistic.

If you follow the SMART principle in setting goals, there's a good chance you'll be able to tell if a goal is realistic before going too far down the road. A SMART approach ensures your goal will be -

An approach taking these attributes into account should give a strong indication that the goal is also realistic.

When you're setting goals, ask yourself these questions, which incorporate the SMART principle:

1. What is my goal, specifically? If I were asked 10 (or 20, or 30) questions about my goal, could I answer them? Is my goal specific enough that I can put together a plan of action to achieve it?

2. How can I tell if I'm making progress towards my goal, and if I am making progress, how much? Is the goal measurable? Are there varying degrees of success or is it going to be all or nothing? What will tell me if I need to change direction, or modify my goal?

3. Is this something I can really do, or will be allowed to do? How much control over the steps I plan to take do I really have? What are the boundaries or limitations I may be confronted with, or barriers I will have to leap? Is the goal attainable, or a waste of effort?

4. Is this goal really important? If I accomplished it, what will change, and will the change be worth it? How will achieving this goal affect others. How will striving towards the goal affect others? Are there risks involved? Is this goal really relevant and important?

5. When do I need to reach this goal? Is there a specific time, beyond which the goal becomes irrelevant? Must it be accomplished in a timely manner to remain relevant? If there is a time limit, will I be able to have accomplished what I need to within that time? Will I need help from others, and if so, what kind of help?

A realistic goal can be losing 20 pounds over 3 months, jogging 5 miles without stopping, increasing your income by 10% over the next year, graduating with a 3.5 or higher GPA, or reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier. These are 5 goals many if not most would consider realistic, yet they are 5 goals with little in common.

Still, the principles of setting SMART goals should apply when setting each goal.

Zig Ziglar, the promoter and mentor of self improvement and achievement techniques once remarked, "A goal properly set is halfway reached".

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