How to set Goals for Optimum Performance

Goals are a behavior or outcome that we consciously aim to achieve. It is an establishment of targets that we want to attain within a predefined time frame. They can be intrinsic goals for our family, health, relationships and those set for ourselves or extrinsic corporate goals for profits. Setting goals is about knowing what you want and this primes your mind in helping you to achieve it.

Many success and training courses preach on setting goals. It is the first thing that anyone with a dream has to do and these courses would facilitate how to go about doing it. There are numerous techniques of goal setting and most of which evolve around the one concept of setting SMART goals; goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. But, did you know that the word GOAL itself shows us what it really is about. Allow me to explain;

GOAL is an acronym for Going Over Assumed Limitations. This means that goals should enable you to go beyond what you can do. There is no limit to what you can achieve and therefore these limitations, whatever they may be to you are only assumed.

The question is, how do we go over our assumed limitations? What are some of the characteristics of goal setting that would enable us to do so and reach optimum performance?

Over and above SMART goals, social psychological research studies have shown that specific, proximal (short-term), moderately challenging goals are beneficial for motivation and learning (Bandura, 1986). These factors increase your motivation and allow you to put in more effort to achieve that goal.

These studies suggest setting Mastery goals; goals that are task-focused to enable you to acquire skills needed to propel you towards achieving your goals. These goals have to be personally written by you; goals that you have set for yourself. This is called the Participatory Goal Theory (Mento, Steel, & Kar- ren, 1987, as cited in Griffee & Templi, 1997) which states that when you set your own goals, you in turn increase your performance.

Another important point mentioned in these research studies is that these goals have to be Evaluated and Reflected upon. This is aimed at allowing you to examine the progress you have made and what needs to be done to further improve. Positive self-evaluations increase your self-efficacy and strengthen your motivation when you see that you are making progress towards your goal.

Key points to take note of when setting goals: - Focus on Mastery goals to improve on yourself first
- Set a long term goal and divide it into proximal goals (timelines) - Set challenging yet attainable goals
- Be specific
- Constantly evaluate and reflect on your performance
So the first step in setting goals for optimum performance is to know what you want; what is your ultimate goal? Set a DEFINITE DATE when you will achieve it.

Next, identify your Limitations; what is stopping you from achieving your goals? Remember these are only assumed limitations because we can achieve anything if we put in the effort.

Next, list down what you would have to do (mastery) to eliminate these limitations. What skills do you need to acquire? What you do need to learn further?

Now it is time to set proximal goals. By which date will you have acquired your new knowledge and/or skill? Develop step-by-step plans that will lead to your short-term goals and eventually to your ultimate goal.

The next step is also very important. Write down your goals, deadlines and plans and phrase them in the Present Tense. Be sure to write clear and concise statements.

Now read all of your goals and plans. Read it seven times, read it aloud. Believe in it. Visualize yourself achieving what you have planned and see yourself achieving your ultimate goal. What does it feel like having achieved your goal? Keep practicing this.

Finally, the most important and crucial step in obtaining optimum performance towards your goal is to START NOW! Take actio
NOW towards your goals. If you do not start now, you never will.

“He who every morning plans the transactions of that day and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.”
— Victor Hugo

Thank you for taking out time to read this article and I hope it has served you. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact me or leave a comment on Honeycomb Initiative’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HoneycombInitiative).

To living your dreams,

Taher Topiwala
Founderr
HoneyComb Initiative