How to Set Goals for Self Management

Anyone can set goals for self management. The trick is setting goals and sticking to them. Fortunately, with the right motivational tools and quantifiable goals, keeping on track with your goals can be easy and enjoyable.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine what goals you want to set for yourself: Do you want to set aside time for family? Save money? Lose weight? You must decide exactly what you want to do before you set goals for self management.

• 2

  Make your goals quantifiable. Saying "I want to lose a lot of weight" is not enough. Instead, say "I want to lose 10 pounds in six months." This creates a quantifiable goal that can be met. The same goes for other goals: "I want to spend one hour each day with my family" is sufficient, as is "I want to save $200 per paycheck."

• 3

  Monitor your progress over time. As you get closer to achieving or sticking to your goal, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue toward your overall goal.

• 4

  Set a reward for yourself if you achieve your goal, or continue your goal for an acceptable amount of time. For example, if your goal is to cut back to one hour of television a day and you stick with this for two months, allow yourself to go out to dinner with friends, or treat yourself to the new pair of jeans you've been looking forward to purchasing.

• 5

  Write your goals down and post them in places that you will frequently see. Posting a notice about weight loss on the refrigerator will deter you from looking for fattening snacks. Posting your goals by your computer will remind you of them each time you write an email.

• 6

  Make your goals part of your everyday lifestyle. By sticking to your goals on a daily basis, they will become natural and will no longer be a struggle. Encourage others to join you in healthy pursuits, and allow their success to encourage you.