Goal Setting and Planning
Both the articles below give good explanations of what goes into setting and attaining both personal and professional goals. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive read or just the basics, you’re in good hands.
Full Explanation Version – PositivePsychology.com Article
Very thorough, evidence-based explanation of goal setting, what it involves, what it can do for your life, how and what types of thought it will require. Includes links to different psychologists’ theories on how setting and achieving goals can lead to more meaning and happiness in your life. Includes a TED talk, worksheets, app, and book recommendations.
Brief Version – MindTools.com Article
Brief and succinct, hits all the major points for how to go about setting life goals and then breaking them down into actionable pieces. Great examples of different types of life goals. Not much information about how to figure out what you want, how goals bring meaning into your life, or values-directed goal setting. Links out to their other articles. No references or recommendations for further reading.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Results-focused, and Timed, or have an element of timing. They take you beyond the visualization point, through the steps needed to complete each component by a certain time. In other words, by mapping out your stepping stones, SMART goals hold you accountable to your original intentions. Check out this great 2 page PDF explaining how they work!
SMART Goals Explanation PDF
READ NEXT: Values-Based Decision-Making
Or check out what else there is to read!