The idea that success is only achieved through setting goals is widespread in our society. But what if success isn't simply a result of hitting predetermined targets? What if there are other, more effective ways to achieve success? In this article, I’ll explore various methods of success that don't rely on setting goals. I'll show you how these methods can help you reach your goals and make you life easier.
Method 1: My first alternative to goal setting. Set an intention.
This involves stating what you want to achieve without putting any restrictions on how it should be accomplished. For example, rather than saying “I want to lose 10 pounds by the end of the month,” you might simply say “I want to feel healthy and energised.” This type of goal setting can be especially helpful if you tend to get overwhelmed by details.
My personal example: This has worked really well for me when it came to exercising. My intention was that I just wanted to walk more.
Out of that came my doing a 10min fast walk at home; 10mins; 5 times a week. If I miss a day or two, I don’t stress and may extend the walk to a 15min the next day to catch up.
Method 2: My second alternative. Set a deadline.
Deadlines can help you stay dedicated to what your objective happens to be. When you set a deadline for yourself, you're more likely to achieve your goal. Because you have something to keep you motivated and on track. Without a deadline, it can be easy to delay or become distracted.
The most effective way to set a deadline is to create a timeline for yourself. This means that you break the undertaking down into smaller ones and are given a precise date for each one. This may help you avoid procrastination and ensure that you stay on a schedule.
My personal example: I first started using this technique as a student. I would start with the assignment deadline and work backwards ensuring that the week before the deadline date was for proofreading. It took some time for me to become proficient at it but I have used this time and time again.
Method 3: This is one of my favourites. Finding your natural flow.
I feel that this one is highly underrated and is something that people should explore. Of course it will not work for everything but I believe it’s a technique we should all explore. What time of day do you have the most energy? When are you most creative? Schedule your important tasks during those times.
My personal example: I work extremely well in the morning but start to zone out from about 3pm onwards. Once I realised this I stopped teaching evening classes. Now that I work for myself, I tend to start at around 5am; I have a short list and aim to finish my tasks between 12pm & 2pm. It means I get a long break if I need to see my clients in the evening or have late meetings.
Method 4: Sometimes it’s just hard to see success. The review technique is another interesting alternative.
Make a list of the things that you did last week, month or year and review how you feel now compared to then. Do you feel that things have improved? Did you take action and has it worked or do you need more time?
My personal example: This works better for me when I review this time last year. It’s a lot easier for me to see the progress I’ve made. I went to a lot of big networking events but realised that this didn’t work for me. In fact what worked and felt good was just having 1:1 interesting conversations about all sorts. When people enjoyed the conversation they were more likely to refer me to their friends, family and work colleagues or sign up themselves.
Method 5: This is another one of my favourites. Define what success looks like for you.
Defining what a successful day, month, or year looks like for you. What activities make you happy and
fulfilled? What do you need to feel productive and accomplished? Once you have a good idea of what success looks like for you, it becomes easier to set goals that work for you.
My personal example: I work extremely well in the morning but start to zone out from about 3pm onwards. Once I realised this I stopped teaching evening classes. Now that I work for myself, I start at 5am or earlier; I have a short list and aim to finish my tasks before 2pm. It means I get a long break if I need to see my clients in the evening or have late meetings.
Method 6: Identify your priorities. What are the most important things in your life? What do you need to do to make sure they happen?
There are many benefits to priority setting. First and foremost, it is more realistic than goal setting. When you set priorities, you are acknowledging the fact that you cannot do everything and that some things are more important than others. This realism leads to better decision making and a more productive lifestyle.
Second, priority setting is easier than goal setting. There are no complicated steps or formulas to follow; all you have to do is figure out what is important to you and then focus your time and energy on those things.
Finally, priority setting is more flexible than goal setting. When your priorities change (which they will), you can easily adapt your plans to reflect those changes.
My personal example: My walking is important to me so I just have to make sure that I do it at some point during the day (mornings are easier). Answering my client’s email is important to me, so that gets done in the morning and I just schedule them to arrive at a more suitable time of day.
When it comes to goal setting, many people think that the only way to achieve success is by outlining specific steps to reach their goal. Whilst this may be a really effective method for some, for others goal setting is a tormented struggle. If you’re someone who has trouble following a specific set of steps, try some or all of the methods suggested to see what works for you. But if you need help then you can always contact me at decisions@thepoweroftalk.com