Academic Resource Center

Life Hacks for Goal Setting

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A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Book: Goals! How to Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy.

“You become what you think about most of the time. Your outer world ultimately becomes a reflection of your inner world. Your outer world of experience mirrors back to you what you think about most of the time. Whatever you think about continuously emerges in your reality.”

Helpful tip: You are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.

Why do most people fail to achieve their goals?

  • Imposter syndrome
  • Lack of commitment
  • Overthinking
  • Unclear direction
  • Too many goals
  • Failing to plan

What do you value the most?

  • Ask yourself these questions to uncover your values.
  • Who do I want to be?
  • What things matter most to me?
  • What makes me happy?
  • What energizes me?
  • What do I want my legacy to be?
  • What am I willing to sacrifice for?
  • Who do I look up to and why?

Types of goals

  • Process goals: This helps us to stay focused.
  • Performance goals: This helps us to stay on track.
  • Outcome goals: Helps us align with the big picture.

Define your outcomes

All your outcomes need:

  • A name
  • A why
  • A how
  • A set of defined benchmarks to meet.

Use the SMARTER method to break goals into smaller actions.

  • S = Specific
  • M = Measurable
  • A = Attainable
  • R = Relevant
  • T = Time-bound
  • E = Evaluate
  • R = Reward

Utilize rewards.

  • Rewards increase motivation and shape our behavior.
  • Rewards strengthen the activity-goal relationship.
  • Self-affirmation builds confidence.

Need More Help?

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