How to Successfully Set Goals and Put Them into Action?
Setting goals and maintaining a high level of motivation over time requires investment. The investment pays off in the end because it saves us frustration and precious time.
So how do we do it right?
Logic and Emotion Join Forces to Achieve the Goal
There are areas in the brain that are involved and work together in our motivational process toward a goal. The moment we face a task or goal, two processes occur in our brain simultaneously:
The Amygdala - the part of the brain responsible for emotions - evaluates how important the goal is to us based on the emotion it evokes in us and the level of internal motivation.
The Frontal Lobe - responsible for cognitive functions such as problem-solving - identifies and maps the actions and resources required to achieve the goal.
The amygdala and the frontal lobe of the brain drive us together to act toward achieving the goal, while directing and focusing our attention and reducing distractions. Thanks to brain plasticity, setting goals actually changes the structure of the brain so that it functions optimally to achieve them.
If we want to increase the chances of achieving a goal, it must evoke as much emotion and motivation in us as possible, so that the amygdala places it at the top of our priorities.
At the same time, it must be as specific as possible to make it easier for the frontal lobe to plan and implement the best way to achieve it. Studies have shown that when goals carried strong emotional charge and motivation, subjects tended to view the path to achieving them as easier and were less deterred by the obstacles and challenges expected along the way.
Recognizing the importance of goal-setting, several models have been developed in recent decades to help refine our goals so they are as specific and motivating as possible, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving them.
The S.M.A.R.T Model
The SMART model is one of the frameworks developed as a smart way to formulate goals and objectives, and has been adopted by the NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) coaching method, which uses verbal tools in an effort to influence the rewiring of neural connections in the brain.
The developers of the method offer a goal-setting framework based on the SMART model, to which they add several components and steps aimed at enhancing the emotional and motivational aspects required to achieve the goal.
According to the SMART model, goals and objectives should be formulated based on the following criteria:
Specific
The goal should be formulated in a precise and focused manner, in positive phrasing—meaning, what we want to achieve rather than what we want to avoid.
Measurable
It is recommended to formulate objectives that are measurable.
Achievable
It is important to ensure that the goal matches the tools and resources at our disposal.
Realistic
Setting ambitious goals increases motivation and the likelihood of achieving them far more than easily attainable goals. However, when a goal is too ambitious or unrealistic, the motivation to achieve it drops. Therefore, we must ensure that the goal is ambitious yet still realistic.
Time-Bound
It must be bounded by a specific timeframe or target date.
The Secret Lies in Emotion
Since the same areas of the brain are activated whether an event occurs in our imagination or in reality, this framework is designed to help us visualize the goal being realized to drive us to strive for it. The NLP goal-setting model ensures that we use language in a way that aligns our neurology and physiology toward achieving our goal.
A Goal Formulated in Positive Phrasing
Since we can only visualize what exists rather than what does not, the purpose of this component is to express what we want to happen, rather than what we want to avoid.
Using All the Senses
A well-formed goal is one where we can visualize the moment of its achievement and experience it with all our senses: What do we see at that moment? What do we hear? What do we feel in our body?
An Exciting and Compelling Goal
Why do we actually want to achieve this goal? Why is it important to us? What positive change will it bring to our lives?
How will its realization affect the various circles of our environment? To charge the goal with as much motivation and emotion as possible, we should visualize the desired future we strive for. What identity will we have when we realize the goal?
A Goal Aligned with Values and Desires
To increase the chances of achieving it easily, the motivation for the goal must be intrinsic, aligning with our desires and values. Does the goal stem from within us, or is it an external dictate? Does thinking about it feel like a chore or constraint, or does it fill us with enthusiasm and excitement?
The Goal is Under Our Control
A realistic and achievable goal is one whose attainment lies within our control—a goal we initiated and for which we are solely responsible for realizing and maintaining ourselves.