Are You Setting Your Personal Development Goals Properly? Test Yourself

Are You Setting Your Personal Development Goals Properly? Test Yourself

Below are three key questions you need to know the answer to, if you're interested is setting personal development goals that you can actually meet and benefit from. I will give you those questions, and then offer analysis on the correct answer.

1. When I brainstorm my goals I:

a) let my imagination run wild and uncensored

b) I take a more "reality-based" approach, but push the limits

c) I don't stray too far from my comfort zone

The right answer here is A. During the brainstorm process, you must not censor your mind. The point of brainstorming is to help you hone in on the most compelling goal you can think of. Since all good goals are going to push your limits, you need to make sure you create one so compelling that you constantly work toward achieving it - even when the going gets tough.

2. When Setting My Goals I:

a) don't put a time limit on them because who can accurately tell when they will be reached?

b) I set a strict time line on when I will achieve my goals

c) I put a time line on my goals that allows for flexibility

The right answer is B. The truth is that a goal is nothing more than a dream with a deadline. But if it doesn't have a real deadline, it's just a dream. And people dream everyday about wanting to be happy, yet few achieve it. One of the best ways to set a goal is to use a one year deadline. Here's how it works. When brainstorming your goals, right down everything you can think of that'd you like to achieve, without limiting yourself.

Then go back through the list, and mark off which goals you'd like to achieve in the next year. Don't worry if you aren't sure how to achieve them. Just make a note of which ones you'd be happy accomplishing in the next year. This will help prioritize your goals. Then, out of all the goals you'd like to achieve in the next year, pick the one that excites you the most and would make you the happiest. Now you have a one year deadline, and a goal that you will be most compelled to achieve.

3. After writing down my goal I:

a) Take a break

b) Think of possible plans on how I will achieve it

c) I write down a list of reasons why I must absolutely achieve it

The right answer is C. If you take a break after you set your goal, it means your goal isn't compelling enough. Thinking up possible plans is a good idea, and helpful later on. But what you need right now is leverage. Become clear on why you must absolutely achieve your goal. When you start writing down your list, you should become so excited that afterwards you must take action to do something to work toward your goal.