by Andrew Coulter Enright
The first and most important aspect of goal setting is defining yourchief aim, your Definite Purpose in life. It must be something that excites you, something that you and only you can be the best at.Something that will bring you and others lots of joy.
Although it is not a matter of life and death and you can change it later on, spend some time finding your Definite Purpose.
Also, problems, and life in general can be divided into three main areas: Health, Finances and Relationships. There are other methods, but for the time being, focusing on these areas and bringing them to the point you want them to be is a very effective way of bringing balance and happiness into your life.
Now for an exercise. Imagine your life is just the way you want it, write out everything you have or have achieved in terms of health. (Fitness level, weight, strength, appearance, diet, sports performance, energy, etc)[Recommended time: 5 min]
When you are done, rank those goals in level of importance as A – an absolute must, B – would love to do/have it, C – it’s nice but I can live without it. [Recommended time: 2 min]
Now, give each goal a time frame: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, … [Recommended time: 2 min]
Next, imagine your life is just the way you want it, write out everything you have or have achieved in terms of finances. (Money in the bank, yearly/monthly income, investments, businesses/career/job, residual/passive income, debt freedom, charity, retirement fund, kid’s college fund, etc) [Recommended time: 5 min]
When you are done, rank those goals in level of importance as A – an absolute must, B – would love to do/have it, C – it’s nice but I can live without it. [Recommended time: 2 min]
Now, give each goal a timeframe: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, … [Recommended time: 2 min]
Next, imagine your life is just the way you want it, write out everything you have or have achieved in terms of relationships. (Husband/wife/significant other, children/grand children, friends, social life/PR, spiritual connection, business related alliances, etc) [Recommended time: 5 min]
When you are done, rank those goals in level of importance as A – an absolute must, B – would love to do/have it, C – it’s nice but I can live without it. [Recommended time: 2 min]
Now, give each goal a timeframe: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, … [Recommended time: 2 min]
Congratulations, you are done for the day. This is a very simple yet effective goal setting exercise.
Did you like the exercise? Did you find it difficult or easy? I’d like to see your comments. Please use the form below to leave your feedback. Thanks!
#1 by Scott Baird
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Thanks for the goal setting worksheet! I really liked the thought of dividing our goals into main areas. The three that you suggest; Health, Finances, and Relationships really seem to cover it all for me. It really is helpful for me to think of it in these main areas otherwise I just get overwhelmed by all the work I need to do to achieve my goals. Thanks for the help with goal setting!