Anyone else feel overwhelmed with all the goal setting methods out there? (Raises hand) A simple online search for “goals” will load pages upon pages of advice, worksheets and methods that are supposed to be the best. But how can you know if it truly is the best for you and your needs? Now you don’t have to wonder or guess. We’ve done some research and have come up with our version of goal setting techniques that actually work — steps Kelsey herself has taken to get where she is today.

There are three popular goal-setting methods that people tend to stick to: SMART, CLEAR and BHAG. All three are fantastic in their own way, depending on the types of lifestyle and goals you want to achieve. Here they are, broken down individually

SMART

Make sure your goal is:

Specific to identify exactly what you want to work on

Measurable so you know absolutely whether you hit the goal

Actionable to keep you motivated

Relevant to your circumstances, yet just outside your comfort zone where change can happen

Time-bound with dates assigned to each goal

CLEAR

Make sure your goal is:

Collaborative to encourage teamwork

Limited in scope and duration

Emotional to tap into your energy and passion

Appreciable, but broken down into smaller goals so they can be accomplished more quickly and easily for longterm gain

Refinable with a headstrong and steadfast objective, but as new situations or information arise, give yourself permission to refine and modify your goals

BHAG

Make sure you have a:

Big

Hairy

Audacious

Goal

This concept includes making a giant vision that will take years or decades to complete, or not less than the entire year. Though it sounds overwhelming, think of it as a vision or mission rather than a goal. It’s a guide that steers all of your smaller goals for the year.

Real Life Application

Each of these methods are similar, but have different ways of approaching your life and circumstances. To choose the one that works best for you, try doing a self-examination on what you want to achieve:

Do you feel balanced in personal matters, but want to grow your business? SMART goals might work better for you.

Is life pulling you in multiple directions and you feel like you’ve lost yourself in the midst of it all? Try putting the 7F’s into practice.

Are you struggling to manage your team and keep them all motivated? Write out some CLEAR goals with your growing team in mind.

I hear you. This is all too much! Do I really need to set goals? The short answer is yes. Goals force you to look at the big picture. They provide long-term vision and short-term motivation. It’s true that goal setting can get overwhelming because we are our worst critics and there’s probably a long list of things we’d like to change about ourselves. The trick is to keep it simple.

Michael Hyatt, successful business author, entrepreneur and previous guest on The Pursuit, suggests keeping goals few in number. Productivity studies show that you really can’t focus on more than 5–7 items at any one time. Don’t try to cheat by including sections with several goals under each section. This is a recipe for losing focus and accomplishing very little. Instead, focus on a handful of goals that you can repeat almost from memory.*

He also says to share your goals with a selective group of people. Tell someone who is going to encourage you to achieve your goals and give you an extra boost when you’re feeling down on yourself. This person could be a mentor, mastermind group, business partner, even family member.*

No matter what method you choose…

Get intentional! If nothing else, take some time to think about what you want each area of your life to look like, and make sure you’re not suck on autopilot in each of these areas. Using the “7 Fs” can help you to remember each area:

Faith (spirituality)

Family (romantic relationships/relatives)

Friends (relationships)

Finances

Fitness (physical health, diet)

Future (career/purpose/learning)

Fun (hobbies, emotional health)

The only way you can become your best self is by focusing on where you want to go, who you want to be and intentionally making a plan to get there. You can do this!

*Excerpt from MichaelHyatt.com