Want to crush your goals? Write them down.

Posted on February 08, 2023 by Allen Abbott, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

According to a study in the Journal of Applied Psychology, those who set daily goals were more likely to finish their work and reach their long-term objectives (Gollwitzer, 1991).

By setting daily goals, we can avoid getting distracted by the wider picture and instead concentrate on what has to be done right now. It enables us to divide more challenging tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, making them seem more doable.

Daily goal-setting also increases our sense of control and independence over our life. We have the ability to control our own results and take control of our direction by creating and achieving progress-centered goals each day.

But it’s crucial to keep in mind that creating daily goals involves more than just checking things off a list of things to do. According to research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, choosing goals that are relevant to us individually and consistent with our values can increase overall life happiness (Sheldon & Elliot, 1998).

So how can we set effective daily goals? It’s beneficial to start by figuring out your long-term objectives and decomposing them into smaller, more focused activities. Set short-term goals that are realistically attainable, and think about using tools like a calendar or app to help you keep track of your progress.

“…creating daily goals involves more than just checking things off a list of things to do.”
Additionally, it’s crucial to be adaptable and change your goals as necessary. It’s acceptable to modify your goals to meet your present circumstances because life often throws us unexpected curveballs.

Setting daily goals is a simple habit that will help enhance productivity and decrease that feeling of being overwhelmed by the “big things” you are trying to achieve!

Allen L. Abbott
Ascent Partners LTD

References:

Gollwitzer, P. M. (1991). Implementation intentions: Strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 46(9), 493-503.

Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1998). Goal striving, need satisfaction, and longitudinal well-being: The self-concordance model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(3), 482-497.