7 subtle behaviors of people who set attainable goals in life, says psychology

Life is all about setting and achieving goals. But the trick lies in setting those goals realistically, something many of us struggle with.

Psychology has some insights on this. It suggests that people who are successful at setting attainable goals exhibit certain subtle behaviors.

These behaviors are not about grand gestures or drastic changes. Rather, they’re small, everyday habits and attitudes that make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these subtle behaviors of people who set attainable goals in life. And who knows? Maybe you’ll spot some familiar traits, or even better, pick up a few new ones.

1) Setting SMART goals

According to psychology, people who are successful at setting attainable goals have a secret weapon: SMART goals.

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s a strategy widely used in business and personal planning.

The idea is to define your goals in a way that they’re clear and reachable. That means being specific about what you want to achieve, making sure it’s something that can be measured and, most importantly, that it’s achievable.

People who set SMART goals don’t just say “I want to lose weight.” They say “I want to lose 5 pounds in the next 2 months by exercising three times a week and reducing my sugar intake.”

This method reduces the stress and overwhelm often associated with goal-setting. It breaks down the process into manageable chunks, making the goal seem much more attainable.

If you’re looking to become a successful goal-setter, start by making your goals SMART. But remember, honesty is key in this process. Set yourself up for success, not failure.

2) Embracing flexibility

In my own journey, I’ve found that being rigid about goals can often lead to disappointment. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things just don’t go according to plan.

For instance, a few years back, I set a goal to run a marathon within six months. I had a detailed training plan and was fully committed to it. However, halfway through, I suffered a minor injury that set me back several weeks.

Initially, I was devastated. I felt like I had failed. But then, I decided to embrace flexibility. I adjusted my goal from running a marathon to running a half-marathon instead. And guess what? I did it!

Successful goal-setters understand that it’s essential to be flexible and adjust goals as circumstances change. It’s not about lowering your standards or giving up; it’s about adapting and staying realistic in the face of life’s ups and downs.

The journey is just as important as the destination. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned. Instead, learn to adapt and you’ll find that achieving your goals becomes a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

3) Breaking it down into smaller tasks

A major goal can often seem daunting, almost insurmountable. But here’s the trick successful goal-setters use: they break down their big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Consider the story of Jerry Seinfeld, one of the most successful comedians in the world. Seinfeld credits his success to a simple habit: writing jokes every day. He would mark a big red cross on his calendar for every day he wrote, aiming to create an uninterrupted chain of crosses.

This approach, commonly known as the ‘Seinfeld Strategy‘, illustrates the power of breaking down a large goal (becoming a successful comedian) into smaller daily tasks (writing jokes). It makes the process less daunting and more achievable.

Next time you’re faced with a massive goal, remember to break it down. It might be as simple as writing one paragraph of your book each day or saving a small amount each week towards your financial goal. Small tasks add up to big achievements over time.

4) Celebrating small victories

People who set attainable goals know the importance of celebrating their small wins. It’s not about waiting until the end to throw a party; it’s about acknowledging every step made towards achieving the goal.

Let’s say you’re trying to read more books in a year. Instead of waiting until you’ve hit your target, celebrate each book you finish. This could be as simple as treating yourself to your favorite dessert or spending an evening binge-watching your favorite show.

These mini-celebrations serve as motivation, making the journey towards your goal more enjoyable. They also reinforce the feeling of progress, which is crucial for maintaining momentum.

Don’t wait until you’ve crossed the finish line to celebrate. Make it a habit to recognize and appreciate your progress along the way.

5) Accepting setbacks

Setbacks are part of life. And honestly, they’ve been a major part of my own journey towards setting and achieving goals.

A while back, I had a goal to start my own business. I had done my research, developed a business plan, and even secured some funding. But just as things were starting to take shape, an unexpected financial crisis hit, and I had to use the funds elsewhere.

It felt like my dreams were falling apart. But instead of letting this setback defeat me, I chose to accept it as part of the process. I took some time to regroup, reassess my plans, and find alternative ways to finance my dream.

This experience taught me that setbacks aren’t the end of the world. In fact, they can provide valuable lessons that make you stronger and more prepared for future challenges.

You’re on a journey towards achieving your goals, remember: setbacks are not roadblocks; they’re just detours on the path to success.

6) Maintaining a positive mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset is key when it comes to setting attainable goals. People who are successful at this tend to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as insurmountable obstacles.

They believe in their ability to achieve their goals and don’t let negative thoughts or self-doubt get in the way. Even when things don’t go as planned, they stay focused on their vision and keep pushing forward.

This doesn’t mean they’re always upbeat or never have bad days. It simply means they choose to remain optimistic and believe in the possibility of their goals, even in the face of adversity.

Wanting to be successful at setting and achieving your goals means to keep a positive mindset. Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome any challenges that come your way.

7) Regularly reviewing and adjusting goals

One of the most crucial behaviors of people who set attainable goals is the practice of regularly reviewing and adjusting their goals. Life is dynamic and things change; what seemed like a great goal a few months ago may not be relevant today.

They make it a habit to check in with their goals periodically, assessing their progress and making necessary adjustments. This could mean redefining the goal, changing the timeline, or even setting a completely new goal if the current one is no longer relevant.

This practice keeps their goals aligned with their current realities and aspirations, ensuring they’re always working towards something meaningful and achievable.

The psychology behind goal-setting

The fascinating world of psychology sheds light on the behaviors of successful goal-setters.

Research suggests that our brains are wired to respond positively to the achievement of goals. When we succeed, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of satisfaction and pleasure.

This is why setting and achieving attainable goals can have such a profound impact on our well-being and happiness.

People who master the art of setting realistic goals are not only more likely to achieve what they set out to do, but they’re also likely to experience a greater sense of fulfillment and contentment in life.

As we reflect on these behaviors, we can gain insights into our own goal-setting habits. Are we setting SMART goals? Are we flexible when faced with obstacles? Do we celebrate small victories and maintain a positive mindset?

Understanding these subtle behaviors can help us become better at setting and achieving our own life goals. And who knows, maybe the simple act of setting attainable goals might just be the key to a happier and more fulfilled life.