A New Year presents the ideal time to set resolutions for new goals. Before a resolution can be put into action, it requires strategic thought about the necessary changes that should occur. By allowing ourselves a chance to fully consider the work involved in completing a goal and the significance of its purpose, we can create meaningful goals that contribute to personal and professional development.
Although there may be many goals you want to achieve, Heidi Grant Halvorson, author of 9 Things Successful People Do Differently, advises not attempting to change everything at once. She recommends gradually replacing bad habits with good ones. For example, if someone’s goal is to walk more he could set a rule that instead of riding the elevator, he would walk up the stairs. Creating a specific goal increases the chance of goal achievement. Precision helps the brain decide the best goal oriented actions, while vague goals hinder optimal decision making. The goal of walking more, used in the previous example, could be specified to a goal of walking 8,000 steps per day, thus making it more likely to happen.
In order to set realistic goals, Six Sigma recommends using the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting technique. This technique applies 5 principle goal components: Specific, Measurable, Action oriented, Reasonable, and Timely. The goal can then be placed into one one 3 categories: purpose, learning, performance, or fulfillment. Creating realistic goals leads to reasonable expectations, manageable tasks, and a higher probability of goal completion.
You must decide which behaviors will lead to goal achievement. Even after repeated unsuccessful attempts to reach a goal, it can still be attained with the proper strategy and planning. The unpredictability of life necessitates having a backup plan. Willpower decreases when faced with spontaneous decisions; however if back up plan is ready, it will be much easier to make the best decisions.
While rules and planning are positive factors, too much strictness can incite feelings of restriction that gradually lead to decreased commitment or goal abandonment. It is okay to occasionally give into temptation, providing that it will be compensated for later.
The Six Sigma S.M.A.R.T. goal setting technique and goal completion tips from Heidi Halvorson are helpful approaches to goal setting and achievement. 2016 presents a chance to use these strategies in order to accomplish your goals.
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