Setting goals for yourself gives clarity and perspective, motivates, and empowers you. Goal setting can also give you a greater sense of achievement, be it at work or in your personal development journey.

It helps you see where you are and where you want to be so you can make an actionable plan to reach said goals.

Here’s how to set goals for yourself (and your team) and never lose sight of them, complete with a downloadable SMART goals worksheet to help you in your quest.

Correctly voicing your goals from the beginning is the best way to make sure you stick to them and keep your motivation all throughout working on them.

Here’s what makes a goal SMART, plus some questions that will further help you construct your goals and, ultimately, improve focus:

If you haven’t heard of the SMART goal setting method already, you’re gonna have your mind blown.

As mentioned before, this is one of the most surefire ways to formulate goals you’ll follow through on. Here are some extra things you can do to ensure your goals are clear as day:

1. Make Sure They’re Your Own Goals

Not your parents’, friends’, or employers’, but YOUR OWN. It’s easy to get lost in what those around you want, even if the goals really seem like your own in the heat of the moment. From what I noticed, people with low self-esteem tend to be less assertive and are more prone to falling into this trap.

If you suspect this is your case, it might be time for some thorough introspection. Here’s a list of questions that did wonders for me – hope they’ll help you too!

2. Wording Matters – Phrase It Positively!

It’s no coincidence that finding a positive twist in everything that happens is an essential trait of successful people.

Apart from the physical benefits that come with it, positive thinking also improves cognitive functions, literally opens your mind to new possibilities and ideas, and overall provides a greater sense of satisfaction in life.

Do the same with your goals, too! Focus on the good aspects you will gain instead of the bad ones you need to give up.

It might seem a bit time-consuming at first, but once SMART goal setting becomes a habit, it will make your whole life easier, more enjoyable, and more productive.

We’re eager to know how this technique worked for you, so let us know about your new goals and whether you found our SMART goal setting worksheet helpful!