DEFINE YOUR GOALS

Define the goal(s) you want to pursue for a certain period of time. What exactly do you want to achieve in, say, 5 years? Why do you have to achieve this? After answering these questions, prioritize 3-5 things to work on for the next 5 or 10 years.

SET S.M.A.R.T GOALS

We often apply the S.M.A.R.T concept when setting goals for projects and research but applying this to your life will also be helpful. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound. As goal-getters or goaldiggers, we get excited and want to do everything out there and be achievers. However, this makes us be all over the place and even fail to have something that we can point to as an accomplished goal. You will reduce your stress if you set goals that are realistic to your current situation, those that give ample time for you to put in work to achieve them and those that are simplified and specific; goals that you can confidently refer to, mention or define.

PLAN ON HOW YOU'LL GET THERE

We tend to plan for our school or work goals, but we don't put the same effort into planning how we will acieve our own goals. Poor planning affects projects and may also affect our achievement of goals. Sit down and set a plan for the 3-5 goals you listed in point 1. How exactly will you achieve the goals you set?

SET SMALL MILESTONES

You need to set some milestones that will help you gauge your success (or lack thereof). This is about saying, “After this period of time I should be able to have achieved this.” When that time comes, check whether or not you have made progress.

START DOING ACTIONS THAT WILL GET YOU THERE

After knowing what goal(s) you want to achieve within a specified period of time, you need to start aligning your actions towards what it takes to get to that goal. No one is going to do it for you.

GET SOME GUIDANCE

Goal-getters usually have the confidence and belief that they can achieve anything that they put their mind to. This is needed so that we can position our minds to succeed in everything we do. However, in many situations, it may not be enough. Chances are we will not know what it takes to get to the promised land. It is very important to have a mentor or engage the services of a coach or expert in your field (yes, be willing to pay for these services). You will avoid so many mistakes as these are people who have been in your field longer than you and will undoubtedly know more.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR WELLBEING

Reaching for your goals can be a stressful and mentally draining experience. You can plan things well and still have them fall apart. Learn to know when to take some time off to re-group. Reach out to your trusted friends and share your worries, regrets and failures with them. If it becomes too overwhelming to handle disappointments and failures, it is important to reach out to a mental health expert like a counsellor, psychologist or therapist. You are going to make so many mistakes and knowing that that is normal is very important. Most times we become very hard on ourselves and dwell on mistakes and regrets instead of dealing with them and figuring out a way forward.

READ WIDELY

Skills are hidden in books, newspapers or in online articles on platforms such as Medium. Make it a point to read something about building yourself every week. Most people share how they have gotten to where they are and you can always learn from them.9. JOIN 

NETWORKS OF OTHER GOAL-GETTERS

They say you become the outcome of the five people who are closest to you. Have friends or allies who are going to push you to get to your dream; those who have great ambitions too. Be around people who can inspire you to be better. Emulate their winning habits and learn how they handle failure or success.

STARTING OVER

Most times we don’t know when to give up on a dream because most of the motivation content we read is about not giving up. While that is important, it is even more important to know when the ship is sinking. You may have to refine your goals or do away with them completely. Regardless, know that you can always start over!