GOALS - Tips & Tricks

[Stephen]

Hi Everyone

Having really increased my knowledge of GTD by using this forum, I would like to get the same help on setting goals from you guys.

In the same manner, can you share your successes and setbacks _your tips and tricks on GOAL setting.

I have read a couple of Steve Pavlina blog posts on GOALS and recognise that he doesnt like the SMART concept.

Having listened to a few PD Guru's on audio, I also recognise that they consider that it is almost impossible to be successful without written goals.

I would like just some assistance in grasping the concept of what is a large PD area.

[Nelson]

While I haven't read Steve saying that he doesn't like the SMART method for setting goals, I personally think it's not a very effective method.

My main complaint with SMART is the letter R which stands for REALISTIC. I think that the idea of being realistic in this day and age is completely ridiculous. After we have seen so many people rise from nothing to wealth and riches. Is it realistic that a college dropout would make $40,000,000,000? The answer is no, but that didn't stop Bill Gates.

After spending years setting goals that do not work I can tell you only one true tip.

Immerse yourself! Put your goals everywhere, keep a progress journal and a goal scoreboard. Write your goals down on paper at least three times a day. Talk about your goals nonstop. Do not allow yourself to be distracted. All you have to do is to constantly remind yourself of your goals and take action on them every single day.

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by Nelson

While I haven't read Steve saying that he doesn't like the SMART method for setting goals, I personally think it's not a very effective method.

Steve spoke about the "S.M.A.R.T" goal setting concept in his article, How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve:

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina, 'How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve'

I recommend you abandon the concept of SMART goals. SMART = specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, time-bound (there are many variations on this too). This model sounds intelligent, but it’s based on an inaccurate understanding of time. Instead of thinking of your goals as time-bound projects, consider each goal in light of its effect on your present reality.

I would recommend that article (the one I linked to above) to just about everyone - even if they aren't interested in goals. Steve describes a concept of goal setting that is almost so simplistic that it is often overlooked, and I definitely find that it works for me.

I'm personally not all that experienced with the various processes of goal setting, so I thought I'd provide you with links to some of Steve's articles that I've found helpful to me as a "newbie" goal-setter (all links open in a new window):

• How to Set Goals You Will Actually Achieve

  A new way to look at goal setting and the notion of time - the same article I mentioned above

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• Goal Planning for Optimal Enjoyment

  A seemingly unintuitive goal setting process that actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it

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• Dynamic Planning

  A post Steve made in 2005 about an aspect of the Getting Things Done (GTD) system that he discarded - may be useful if you are getting started with GTD and would like to hear how Steve uses the system

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• Quarterly Planning Time & More on Planning

  2 blog posts that Steve made in 2004 that may be helpful to you since planning is an intricate part of goal setting, in my opinion. Steve describes the benefits of planning, methods of planning, as well as how he does his planning and how he implements it into his overall system. I'm relatively sure Steve would have made some modifications to his planning methods since then but so long as you take his more recent posts into consideration, it serves as useful information none the less

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• Your Personal Accountability System

  A post that Steve made in 2005 about a system he uses to keep him on track when it comes to his goals. I think it's a great idea and makes a lot of sense

Those are what I've found to be some of Steve's best articles/blog posts on goal setting and planning. Do remember, however, that there are many factors that influence goal setting and planning so if you are having difficulty setting goals I recommend you be open to the possibility of finding an issue in another area of your life (or, at least, an area that could use a little work) as the problem may very much be found upstream.

I find that all personal development related topics (goal setting, planning, spirituality, personal effectiveness, health, exercise & training, etc.) are all intrinsically related and if you have a conflict with just one area it can throw the others out of whack until you give the neglected area (or the area with the conflict) the attention it needs.

[DmitryDavydov]

Originally Posted by Stephen

Hi Everyone
I would like just some assistance in grasping the concept of what is a large PD area.

I personally believe that goals are way to overhyped. In fact, I've heard a number of personally accounts when setting and tracking goals consumed more time than it saved. So I think that at 30 day trial is a great idea. Be open to both options

a. Goals are way too overhyped
b. Goals are a wonderful PD tool.

Try and see how it works. I've seen goal setting in corporate environment - it's a total joke and a complete failure.

I think the success of goals largely depends on WHO SETS THEM. Plenty of smart successful people never set any goals. They never needed to.

[Nelson]

Dmitry I definitely agree with you - goals are dependent on who sets them and are complete jokes in a corporate environment, this is because a goal is dependent on desire and discipline - which most people in corporate environments; no offense to them, do not have in large amounts - thus the need for managers on top of managers on top of managers.

But I can't agree with you neccesarily on the 30 day trial. For the reason of long-term goals and human frustration.

If you set a goal a year in advance say, to start a business. In 30 days you may have accomplished bits and pieces that look nothing like what is going to turn into a complete and profitable business. However, over the long run, in combination with self-discipline and strong aim and desire. The small piece you have accomplsihed in 30 days could be flourishing! Goals are powerful because in my belief their effect on your life is exponential.

[DmitryDavydov]

I started my first business accidentally. I did not have any goals to do so. It just happened. I saw an opportunity. And I know that I'm not the only one. And I bet you that a lot of people who set goal to start a business will fail. I just don't believe in setting goals all that much. I think you can do fine without them

[Milo Riano]

I don't write personal goals because I make sure it is stuck on my cranium and alerts me every second of the day. I have accomplished most of my goals and for those I wasn't able to was because of higher forces no man could do anything about it anymore.

I can't relate about writing personal goals, journals, etc. If its a team goal within the organization then that's a different story.