5 Types of Goals to Set

If you’ve been following along with the blogs and even on Instagram (@evermecoaching), we’ve talked about a handful of different types of goals along the way. In this week’s post, I’m recapping what we’ve talked about, and throwing in a bonus goal (just in case you need to set a few more goals…).

1. S.M.A.R.T. Goals

   • What is it: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely goals.

   • Example: I will listen to an Eagle Brook Church online sermon once a week during my commute so that I can continue to learn about my faith and at the end of the 90 days determine if I am ready to start attending church again.

   • When to use it: When you’re clear on what you want to accomplish. The key to this goal is the specificity and the measurability of the goal.

2. Mindful Goals

   • What is it: Themes or ideas that you set for yourself that leave room for you to push yourself but still allow for self-forgiveness.

   • Example: Here is an excerpt from my journal in January 2014: I decided to make 2014 all about me. I just want to get into the habit of doing what I want when I want to because it makes me happy. I am tired of doing things just because without asking myself if that’s making me happy or not.

   • When to use it: When you’re not very clear on what you want to accomplish, but you know something needs to change. Personally, I use mindful goals prior to setting SMART goals to help build clarity.

3. S.T.A.G.

   • What is it: Stands for: Short Term Achievable Goals or in other words, small, clear goals that can be easily accomplished in a short amount of time (~1 week).

   • Example: I will work out (more than just cardio) for 5 out of the next 7 days.

   • When to use it: When you need a quick boost in the right direction. Want to make sure you can keep building on it? Start thinking about your next S.T.A.G. 1-2 days before the current one expires.

4. One Thing At A Time Goal

   • What is it: A goal that challenges our ability to actually finish what we start. You create a list of goals, pick one to start with, and you cannot move on to the next goal until the first goal is complete. It’s up to you whether or not you put a timeframe around it. The important part of these goals is FINISHING.

   • Example: I want to clean up my apartment, pick out an outfit for work, shower, watch the Olympics, make a lunch for tomorrow, set the coffee pot and take Pico for a walk. *Prioritizes list* I’ll start by cleaning up the apartment, and I won’t go on to watching the Olympics until that is done.

   • When to use it: When you’ve got a lot of small tasks to complete, or use it as a bucket list.

5. You Were On My Mind Goals

   • What is it: When someone out of the ordinary pops into your mind, and your heart is full with gratitude, appreciation and warm fuzzy feelings, let them know within the hour that you were thinking of them.

   • Example: A few weeks ago I ran into someone that I had an unexpected connection with. This interaction reminded me of a good high school friend who I called out of the blue to let her know she was on my mind. I know the call made my night, and I’m pretty sure it made hers too.

   • When to use it: ALL OF THE TIME. You have the chance to make someone’s day by practicing this. If someone is on your mind, it is usually for a reason. Don’t let the moment pass without letting them know you were thinking about them. After all, life is too short and there will come a day when you won’t be able to let them know.

Ok, so, we might be at the point where we are at goal paralysis and and just as confused as we were before we knew about all of these types of goals. Luckily for you, that’s where I come in. I would love to set up a free 30-minute call with you to discuss, brainstorm and plan for some of your goals on your list. Fill out the form below to let me know you’d like to talk!