INTRODUCTION
Today we shall continue with our discussion on Goal Setting and Prioritisation.
HOW TO SET GOALS
Learning how to set a goal is as important as knowing what it should contain. It is necessary to set goals with; the right and correct F.R.A.M.E. of mind.
What is meant by FRAME of mind?
FRAME of mind means;
F – Fantasize – Dream your wildest dreams and make sure that your goals match your values. Ask yourself; what do you want to be doing in 1 year?
5 years? What kind of person do I want to be?
R – Reality – Fantasies can become reality, depending on how hard you are willing to work for them.
A – Aim – Define your goal(s) by striking a balance between Fantasy and Reality; set a high but realistic goal.
M – Method – Be truthful to yourself by narrowing your choices or goals to the ones you intend to accomplish. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
E – Evaluation – Process the results, but do not make it the last step; evaluation should be ongoing.
5 QUALITIES OF EFFECTIVE GOALS: S.M.A.R.T.
Before you begin your goal-setting process, it is necessary to know what qualities your goals should entail.
A well-thought-out goal has five qualities. They are;
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Time-Bound
The goal should be SPECIFIC enough to give the right direction.
A goal must be MEASURABLE. You need to regularly track your progress to know if you are making progress or not.
It should have concrete facts. You should be able to answer when and how you have attained your goal.
An achievable goal has an outcome that is realistic
A goal must be REALISTIC. Start small with what you have and grow big.
Setting a timeframe for your goal helps to keep your focus on track.
STEPS TO SETTING EFFECTIVE GOALS
1. SET GOALS – Identify what is important to you. What do you want to accomplish?
2. IDENTIFY POSSIBLE STRATEGIES OR OBJECTIVES TO REACH EACH GOAL – Make a list of what you feel are the best and most effective ways of reaching the goals you have already identified.
3. SELECT THE BEST STRATEGIES -Now that you have made a list of several ways to achieve your goal, recognize which of these strategies will work best for you.
4. OUTLINE SPECIFIC PLANS TO ACCOMPLISH EACH STRATEGY – Once you have narrowed down your strategy list, you can begin to make very detailed and specific plans to accomplish each strategy and ultimately reach your goal.
Setting goals is a means of identifying and plotting how you want to achieve your aims in life, and writing them down means you are committed to accomplishing them; therefore, make sure that your goals are important to YOU!!!!!
“AN UNWRITTEN WANT IS A WISH, A DREAM, A NEVER HAPPENS. THE DAY YOU PUT YOUR GOAL IN WRITING IS THE DAY IT BECOMES A COMMITMENT THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. ARE YOU READY?” – TOM HOPKINS
“THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CLEAR AND CENTRAL PURPOSE OR GOAL IN LIFE IS THE STARTING POINT OF ALL SUCCESS.” — BRIAN TRACY
(To be continued next week) 
Sunday Ade Bello (SAB) is a multi-talented and an analytically inspired management trainer, writer and examiner. He is the CEO of WorkLife Training Professionals, Lagos.
