On the road to success, goal-setting is critical when it comes to defining the steps you need to take to get there.

 

As stated by many top motivational speakers, setting goals helps you to stay focused, on target and heading in the right direction. However, it is important to note that not all goals are created equal. Your goals must be logically aligned and well structured.

 

While having big, lofty goals is better than not having any at all, they tend to leave many people feeling deflated when they are unable to achieve them in a relatively short period of time.

 

The reason why this approach can backfire is because its all or nothing. Put another way, the only way you can feel successful at all is by reaching your dream goal regardless of how much you have improved or achieved in striving to reach that goal.

 
Dream small
 

A far more positive way to achieve your dream is by not having it as a goal at all. Instead, relegate it to wouldn’t it be nice status and set goals that you can achieve every day. Setting small daily improvement goals will help you stay positive and feel successful.

 

Smaller goals will also help you to focus on things you can control thereby reducing the risk of burnout from a perceived lack of success. In fact, you will feel accomplished every time you hit a daily target which in turn re-energizes you to strive for a new goal the following day.

 

Unlike having one far-off giant goal, you will be building confidence and self-esteem every time you experience success. This can have a dramatic effect on your motivation as you can’t wait to get out of bed to see what goals you can cross off your list the next day.

 
Tell it like it is (to yourself)
 

Oftentimes, if we’re completely honest with ourselves, we know the big goals we set are about as realistic as winning the lottery by buying a single Quick Pick ticket. However, if you make buying a lottery ticket every day your goal, you will be hitting a daily goal and feeling good about yourself even if you never hit the jackpot. Not coincidentally, taking this approach will also increase your chances of achieving your dream goal of winning a gazillion dollars.

 

Before we go on, it is important to note that no motivational speaker worth their salt will recommend buying lottery tickets as a daily goal. Just trying to illustrate a point!

 

To differentiate outlandish goals from realistic ones, consider your plan for success. If you struggle to even outline the steps needed to reach your big goal, that is an obvious red flag. Rather, make constructive steps that may lead you to your dream goal and just keep crossing them off your list.

 
Set performance goals
 

To effectively create acheivable daily goals, start by writing down a list of things you’ll need to achieve your dream. Then, break these items down into smaller tasks and make those your daily goals. By identifying the key steps you need to take – in the order you need to take them – you will lay out a roadmap to success that will leave you feeling accomplished regardless of the final outcome.

 
Write it down and do something every day
 

Making sure you stay on course is critical once you identify your daily goals. Get in a good habit of starting the day by reviewing your To Do list as well as periodically reviewing the items on that list to be sure they are still relevent. Your priorities may change so it is necessary to keep your plans up to date. Don’t forget that your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time sensitive.

 

Putting your plan in writing is an extremely important part of this process. Having done this, make sure your To Do list is somewhere where you will see it multiple times every day as a constant reminder to keep moving forwards.

 
Set strategic priorities
 

Many people make the mistake of trying to achieve too many things at once. This pressure can tend to make people feel overwhelmed and more likely to give up on the whole process. As you create your list, prioritizing the items on it will be key to staying motivated.

 

While many motivational experts – including virtual motivational speakers and online motivational speakers – espouse the practice of goal setting, only a select few industry-leaders are skilled at the art of encouraging clients to dream small to win big. Finding one for your next one-on-one session or event could lead you to success beyond your wildest dreams.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Natasa Tomic is a journalist and content producer who specializes in writing about business and sales.