Smart Goal Setting Strategies

ACCI encourages you to make decisions in advance and set goals. Oftentimes, consumers will neglect the impact that smart goal setting strategies have o­n their personal finances.

Make sure that when setting your goals, you write a list down o­n paper. Set specific measurable goals. If you achieve all conditions of a measurable goal, you will be confident and comfortable in its achievement. If you consistently fail to meet measurable goals, then you may adjust it or analyze the reasons for failure. Then take action to improve your behavior and eliminate obstacles.

Make sure that you set realistic goals that are not too high or too low so you can start achieving personal goals.

Ask yourself the following questions to help you focus o­n how goals will be achieved.

1. What skills do I need to achieve this?
2. What information and knowledge do I need?
3. What help or assistance do I need?
4. What resources do I need?
5. What can block my progress?
6. Am I making any assumptions?
7. Is there a better way of doing this thing?

By setting goals you will be able to achieve more, improve your performance, increase your motivation, improve your self-confidence, and plan to eliminate negative attitudes that have held you back in the past.

People who use goal-setting effectively suffer from less stress and anxiety, concentrate better, show more self-confidence, improve performance, and are happier.

Here are some steps to use while goal setting and achieving personal goals:

1. Write down o­ne specific financial goal you have for yourself.
2. Give a timeline for achieving that goal. Is it a short-term, mid-term, or long-term goal? Remember the term of the goal can change at any time, due to the situation.
3. Determine how much money you will need to achieve this goal. Break down that amount by month and be ready to include the required savings into your spending plan.
4. Brainstorm and write down many ways that you will achieve the goal. You may figure out how to cut expenses, earn extra money, and find other resources to achieve your goal. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages to these methods. Then, decide which methods are best for you and write them down.

When you visualize and remind yourself of your goals, it becomes much easier to achieve them. You must have an positive attitude and stay focused. You will then be astonished with the outcome!