This could be a real game changer for you. 

Because when you set clear goals, the odds of actually achieving them are much, much higher.

But to understand why that’s true, we first need to define what a “clear goal” actually is.

What Is a Clear Goal?

In this case, when we say a “clear goal”, we mean a goal that is very specific.

“I want to lose weight,” is not a clear goal.  But, “I want to lose 10 pounds in six months”… Now that’s a clear goal.

“I want to earn more money” is also not a clear goal.  But, “I will earn $10,000 per month one year from now,” is indeed a clear goal.

These are clear goals because they’re specific, but that’s not the only thing that makes them clear.

Set Clear Goals
Set clear goals to boost your success rate.

Elements of a Clear Goal

Let’s use the tried and true S.M.A.R.T. acronym to help you see the elements you need in order to set clear goals.

Specific. Your goal should include some concrete details about what the outcome would look like.

Measurable.  Your goal must be measurable in some way.  Fore example, kilograms lost or dollars earned.  This way, you can track your progress and break down the numbers.

Attainable.  Your goal must be realistic.

Relevant.  Your goal must relate to the vision you have for your life.

Time-bound.  Your goals must have a definite starting and ending point.  A deadline, if you will.

When you have all of these elements together, then you have a clear goal.  And with a clear goal, you can make a road map to help you get there.

Set Clear Goals and Create a Road Map to Achieve Them

Most meaningful goals take time to achieve and they require consistent effort to do so.

And this is the most important reason for setting clear goals.

Because when you do, you can break down your goal into all the smaller tasks you need to accomplish along the way.

Then you can start scheduling them and setting deadlines.

This “roadmap” will give you focus and direction so you can wake up each day with confidence, knowing exactly what you have to do to move yourself closer to your goal.

Let’s Break It Down

Let’s use our example “Earn $10,000 per month one year from now”, so you can see the elements of a clear goal at work.

The specific nature of the goal allows us to break it down and measure the numbers.

$10,000 per month is $2500 per week, which is $500 per day over a 5-day work week.

This kind of breakdown would start to give you a clearer idea of what it’s going to take to reach this specific financial goal. 

At the very least, it should get the creative brain juices flowing on the best actions you’ll need to take in order to reach those figures.

When you give your mind a specific challenge like this, it immediately starts to work on solutions, and quite often in the background.

That’s why ideas will often pop out at you when you’re brushing your teeth or standing in the shower.

A Clear Goal Is Realistic and Relevant

$10,000 per month is also fully within the realms of possibility.  It’s not so lofty that one couldn’t see themselves actually attaining it.

And presumably, earning more money is going to be in line with the vision that almost anyone has for their life. 

Setting Clear Goals with Time Constraints Gives You Motivation

Finally, the deadline of one year is going to motivate you to get started. 

And once the roadmap is in place, you’ll set a starting date as well to “rev your engines”.

If your goal was to just, “Earn more money”, then there are no time factors or deadlines to compel you to take action right away.

And that’s why so many people simply never even get started towards their goals, or give up soon after starting.

The goals they set were just not clear enough.

What’s Your Clear Goal?

I trust that this article has helped to show how important it is to set clear goals if you actually want to achieve things in your life.

And if you really want to get ambitious and give yourself a serious edge, you can add the element of accountability into the mix.

You can read more about how accountability coaching works and learn everything else you need to know about accountability coaching.


 To your success!

Nigel Cook
Accountability Coach

Similar Posts