Six Characteristics of People Who Set and Achieve Goals

(1.) They take time to determine what they truly want and how to get it.

Any sensible and mature person has his own idea of what he wants most out of life. People who set goals hold mental pictures of what they would like to materialize before their very eyes. For example, an obese or overweight man might plan to submit himself to a diet-and-exercise program in order to regain his health. A high school student who wants to put herself through college will study hard to win a scholarship. A musician will subject himself to many hours of practice in order to play his instrument skillfully.

Goals are proof that a person has direction in life. People who set goals can pinpoint what they value most.

(2.) They are extremely focused.

Goal setters and achievers are passionate and consistent go-getters, but they also possess the flexibility needed to adapt or cope with distractions, problems, or roadblocks that might disrupt or hinder them from getting their desired results. They are aware that being very rigid is a disadvantage in goal setting.

People who achieve their goals have back-up plans in case their initial strategies don’t work out. Back-up plans could involve breaking down complex projects into more manageable steps, or staying within the original plan but doing things a different way.

All of us will face obstacles and challenges from time to time, and giving up should never be an option if we are to work on our goals. Many businesses, marriages, and plans could have been successful had people been more tenacious and focused.

(3.) They surround themselves with positive influences.

Building a support group can be especially helpful to goal setters who are people-oriented and thrive with a little moral and emotional booster from their family members, friends, or colleagues. Not everyone has the fortitude to be a self-motivated self-starter, so getting connected and keeping themselves accountable to others may just be the next best thing to sliced bread.

Being a part of a group can yield countless benefits. If your goal is to kick a nasty habit like smoking, you can ask a member of your support system to check up on you every once in a while. You can also get together with them to share your struggles, fears, and victories.

(4.) They regularly make assessments.

To assess means to evaluate if the person is making progress or is moving consistently towards the direction he desires. Assessments can be done daily, weekly, monthly, or annually. This prevents goal setters from being sidetracked by insignificant activities.

Goal setters sometimes experience a change in plans, or detours, as a result of making mistakes, but they are quick to remind themselves that they can immediately get back on track if they choose to.

(5.) They reward themselves, but are well aware that they’re not the be-all and end-all of goal setting.

Tangible rewards can only be the fruit of the entire goal setting process. What goal setters are really after are marked self-improvement and increased quality of life. They also savor the positive habits they have acquired in pursuit of their goals. While rewards can be sweet, goal setters deem that a proactive attitude is more important.

(6.) They move on to higher goals.

Successful goal setters don’t rest on their laurels. They continue to raise the bar of excellence, aim higher, and reach farther. They’re willing to go the extra mile once again, knowing that another round of effort will pay off.

People with this kind of mindset know absolutely no boundaries. So be a goal setter.