Why We Find it Helpful to Set Specific Goals (And How to Do It)

When it comes to setting goals, it's easy to fall into the trap of setting vague goals that are difficult to measure and achieve. For example, setting a goal to "reduce credit card debt" is better than no goal at all, but it's not specific enough. How much debt do you want to reduce? By when?

Instead of setting vague goals, focus on setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals. For example, a more specific and measurable goal would be to "pay $150 extra per month on credit card debt to be debt-free in 2025." This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It tells you exactly how much debt you want to reduce, by when, and how you're going to do it.

Here are a few other examples of better goals:

• Instead of "saving for retirement," set a goal to "invest $300 per month in a Roth IRA and $200/month to a 401(k)

• Instead of "getting in shape," set a goal to "exercise three times per week."

When you have specific goals, you know where you're going and how to get there. You're also more likely to take action and stay motivated.

Here are a few benefits of setting specific goals:

• Increased motivation: When you have specific goals, you're more likely to be motivated to achieve them. This is because you have a clear target in mind and you know what you need to do to get there.

• Improved focus: Specific goals help you focus your time and energy on the things that are most important. When you don't have specific goals, it's easy to get sidetracked and waste time on things that don't matter.

• Better decision-making: Specific goals help you make better decisions. When you know what you want to achieve, it's easier to say no to things that will distract you from your goals.

• Increased sense of accomplishment: When you achieve your specific goals, you get a sense of accomplishment. This can boost your confidence and motivation to keep moving forward.

If you're serious about achieving your goals, it's important to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Take some time to think about what you want to achieve and set some specific goals for yourself. Then, develop a plan to achieve your goals and take action.

How to Set Specific Goals

If you're not sure how to set specific goals, here are a few tips:

1. Start with your big goal. What do you want to achieve in the long term? Once you know your big goal, you can start to break it down into smaller, more manageable goals.

2. Make your goals specific. What exactly do you want to achieve? When do you want to achieve it? How much do you want to achieve? The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be to measure your progress and stay motivated.

3. Make your goals measurable. How will you know when you've achieved your goal? It's important to have a way to measure your progress so that you can stay on track.

4. Make your goals achievable. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Make sure your goals are challenging but achievable.

5. Make your goals relevant. Your goals should be aligned with your values and priorities. If your goals aren't important to you, you're less likely to stick with them.

6. Make your goals time-bound. Set a deadline for yourself to achieve your goal. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

Once you've set your specific goals, develop a plan to achieve them. This plan should include the steps you need to take, the resources you need, and the timelines for each step. Then, take action and start working towards your goals.

Setting specific goals is one of the best things you can do to achieve your dreams. By taking the time to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you're more likely to stay motivated and on track. So, what are you waiting for? Start setting some specific goals for yourself today!