I have previously written about some of success’s biggest obstacles; procrastination and  fear of failure. Another article also discusses more broadly the challenges to behaviour change. Feedback from readers suggest that drilling down on particular aspects of the goal achievement process would be useful. It might be helpful in supporting them to achieve more of the things that would increase the quality of their lives. What I will expand on in this article are some ideas for realistic goal planning.

These are skills I have developed in a previous career as a project manager.  I have also found them very transferable into my current profession as a psychologist and counsellor.  Many clients have indicated that they have put them into practice and benefited from them.

Goal Definition

Goal definition is important and I draw on proven techniques such as SMART. This suggests that goals  should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time related.

My focus is on being realistic as this is often where things are set up for failure even before any action is taken.

Realistic Goal Planning

• A realistic goal is one where you have the time available to complete the tasks required for the goal. For many clients working on individual goals, we will look at current weekly and daily time commitments. Often using a sheet of paper or a whiteboard. We will also see how much time is required to complete any new tasks. Finally, we consider if there are enough hours in the day to still meet existing commitments and complete these new tasks. Using this process, when we have over allocated available time it is immediately obvious. We can then adjust the current time commitments and / or the amount of time available for this new goal.

• A realistic goal assumes that you have the resources (skills, materials, knowledge etc) to complete the tasks.  Optimism is highly useful as a personal quality, but in goal achievement, realism also has to come into play. In reviewing tasks if you find that there is a resource deficit, you can factor this into the plan. This might be a need for  extra training, research, or acquiring some materials prior to starting.

• A plan for realistic goals has contingencies. Life happens. If you factor in contingencies, when they occur you are less likely to give up. A rule of thumb in identifying contingencies is to realistically look at your life circumstances. When you do this pick the things that reasonably could happen.

• A great tool to use in ensuring the achievement of a goal is realistic, is backward planning. This ensures that the sequence of activities are correct. For those who cook this is second nature. You can’t put the dish in the oven until you have prepared the ingredients. For other goals it is sometimes not so obvious. If some things are reliant  on other tasks take note of this. Then when putting together your schedule of tasks ensure this sequence is reflected in it.

• When third parties are involved, ensure they are committed to the plan and have the required  resources. This is often the biggest challenge in business projects, but I think it is a big factor in personal goal achievement. If I need Bill or Sue’s help on something in order to progress this plan, have I asked them, are they available at the time I need them. If I only have a very casual commitment from them to help then I can’t be sure that they will do their task, let alone in the time I need it.

In conclusion….

If you want to maximise the chances of achieving a goal you have made for yourself, then set yourself up for success. Being realistic means do I have the necessary time and resources. If I need others are they committed to their part in the plan. It also means that the time sequence makes sense, and I have allowed for contingencies.

Start to include these ideas in your goal planning and see if it helps.  

Enjoy !!