Whether you’re looking to boost your performance, hit new targets, or stay motivated, setting goals is crucial. However, many people set goals and don’t know how to set themselves up to follow through effectively. In today’s episode of CBT Now, we’re joined by Matt Easton, sales coach and founder of Easton University, to dive into the art of goal setting.
Rule #1: A want is not a goal
The first and foremost rule is that it is crucial to acknowledge and accept that simply wanting something is not a goal. A want doesn’t become a goal until a tangible plan is in place with a solid framework and accountability measures.
Rule #2: Create strong goals
Often, we unintentionally allow others, such as our family members, spouses, or bosses, to dictate the goals we set for ourselves. Typically, the bar for the goals others set for us is too low and usually doesn’t align with our deepest wishes.
Easton stresses the importance of taking the time to self-reflect, visualize your ideal future, and set solid goals that will get you there. He also notes that it’s important not to separate personal and professional goals. They’re interconnected, and the wins and losses in both parts of your life will impact the other.
Rule #3: Create a roadmap for every single day
Motivation is not reliable and is often fleeting. While it can jumpstart progress, it will peter out eventually. The secret to achieving goals is to build discipline.
Easton recommends creating a personalized roadmap that breaks down large goals into smaller, actionable items. This daily roadmap is a snapshot of your day and will help keep you on track.
An effective roadmap should consist of:
Vision board
When you’re having a rough day, the vision board serves as your pick-me-up to jumpstart you back on the right track. It should contain pictures of things you will reward yourself with when you achieve your goals, such as your dream car, a luxury watch, or a boat.
Theme
Discover the “theme” of your main goal for your season. Is it to continue to grow on the path that you’re on, or are you pivoting in a new direction? Easton’s theme is “Curate 2025,” and his goal is to uncover what he truly wants and curate his life around those wants.
Visualization
Visualize yourself in five, ten, fifteen years. What does that look like? Write down your goals as if you have already achieved them. It will help you visualize where you want to be and motivate you to continue pushing forward.
Daily tasks
This section will break down your large goals into small, actionable items you can complete daily. These tasks should align with your overarching goal and must be repeatable and measurable.
Must-do tasks
Write down the non-negotiable “must-dos” for the day. These special tasks are different from your daily to-dos and are of a higher priority.
Push forward
Although putting pen to paper and writing down goals can be life-changing, many people struggle to do so, and it can be for many reasons.
The most common reason is that we’re filled with self-doubt and afraid we’ll disappoint ourselves if we fail. Sometimes, we’re fearful that others will mock us for our goals.
When sharing your goals, confide in those who genuinely support you. Family members and peers may unintentionally undermine your aspirations, saying things like, “I like you the way you are,” or joking, “You’re making us all look bad.” Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let others’ opinions hold you back.
The anxiety that we feel will be there regardless of whether we achieve our goals or not. Go big, give yourself the sense of satisfaction that you’ve at least tried, and continue to push forward every day.
"Dream big, set a goal, write your goals down, and figure out what you have to do every day. You will either hit your goals faster than you thought you could or get really close." – Matt Easton
