6 Crucial Questions to Ask When Setting Goals

Setting goals is a great way to motivate yourself to achieve success, but only if you do it the right way. Your goals should be specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and time-bound, or S.M.A.R.T. for short. To ensure that your goals fit these criteria, it is important to answer these six questions.

Who?

Setting goals isn't always a solitary endeavor. Often, you'll find yourself in need of assistance; the key is to identify the right kinds of people to help you achieve those goals. One such person is a mentor who has already achieved the kind of success you want to achieve — someone who has been around the block and can impart valuable advice. Another great person to have in your corner is an associate to help you build your network, because having solid connections is a great way to improve your odds of success.

What?

Identify your specific goals. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Using specific details when setting goals makes them easier to understand and therefore easier to achieve. Other "what" questions that are important to ask yourself include: What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What things do you require to accomplish these goals? The answers to these questions help put things in perspective and provide clarification.

When?

Setting goals is just making wishes if there is no deadline involved. Consider the scope of your goals, and come up with a reasonable amount of time in which to achieve them. Setting milestones throughout your journey can be a great motivator and helps break the ultimate goal into smaller, more attainable checkpoints.

Where?

The "where" question is more than just a matter of physical location. Consider where you are in your life and your career journey. Are your goals attainable based on your current position? Also, "where" will your goals take you when you achieve them? It is good to be mentally, physically and financially prepared for the next steps that come after the goal has been achieved.

Why?

When you're setting goals, it's important to ask yourself why you want to achieve them. The answer to the "why" question gives your goals a true purpose and sense of direction. List all the reasons why you want to achieve each goal; the answers here provide valuable motivation and make achievement that much more fulfilling.

How?

Probably the most important question to ask when setting goals is "how." How do you plan to achieve them? Create a plan with actionable steps to keep you focused on the end goal.

Setting goals is more than just making a wish list. Ask the right questions and flesh out your goals with S.M.A.R.T. details. Setting goals in the short term and the long term, both professionally and personally, increases your odds for achieving success.

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