In the process of working on the Household Notebook Contents, I realized the need to create a Goal Master List (pdf) that works with Goal Charts (pdf). The resulting forms make it easy to see what will add value in different life areas, which value levels are lowest (and therefore highest priority), and what goals will be most effective to increase value. Once a goal is selected, choose a goal chart based on whether the goal is daily, weekly, or monthly. This will help keep your goals SMART and visible and visual.

Example daily goal: I will drink eight glasses of water every day.

Example weekly goal: I will increase time with family by spending at least 30 minutes each week one-on-one with each person doing an activity of their choice.

Example monthly goal: I will save $1200/year by making a $100 deposit in my savings account every month and track with a chart to reach the target date of twelve months from today.

A 3 x 5 version of the Goal Master List to keep with you. (pdf)

Remember to do a regular review of goals.

We must expect to encounter obstacles along the path to our goals. When this happens, it’s time to think of ways to solve the problem, to recalculate the route to our destination. Sometimes the first step is to see that there is a problem.

1. Define the problem.
2. Gather information.
3. Ask the opinions of others with experience.
4. Generate options.
5. Evaluate options, choose one and make a plan.
6. Implement the plan.
7. Evaluate success.

• Decision Making Worksheet (pdf) at Colorado State University
• Problem Analysis Questionaire (pdf) at PictureItSolved
• Problem Solving at Mind Tools
• Over 50 Problem Solving Strategies Explained

see also The Sticking Point | Anticipate Obstacles

Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek. -Mario Andretti

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/determination.html#ixzz1n7xxv0pD

We must expect to encounter obstacles in our path as we reach for goals. Do you know the story behind the name of a very successful product called WD-40? It took 40 tries to get the water displacement formula correct.

Got inspiration? Watch the inspiring movie Rudy about a determined young man pursuing his dream in spite of many obstacles and set-backs.

Get more inspired with this song playlist after a hard, discouraging day:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” by Kelly Clarkson

“I’m alright” by Kenny Loggins (the Caddyshack song)

“Tubthumpers” by Chumbawamba (I get knocked down, but I get up again)

What other movies and songs do you find uplifting?

Most of us would rather avoid thinking about the possibility of health issues, accidents, other problems that might happen, or even death. So proactively preparing for these things is easy to postpone. However, a little bit of time spent planning can save you and/or your loved ones a lot of pain and suffering.

Having your files and household records organized is the first step. The next step is planning your estate, and organizing all the information so that everything is in order. No matter how simple a life you lead, it’s can be surprising how many details there can be. This is a financial goal that will provide peace of mind for you in knowing your wishes are carried out, and one that loved ones will much appreciate.

• Print out this Executor Information form (doc) and fill out the information about locations of all important documents and necessary contacts. This Extension Service form (pdf)(eight pages) is very helpful as well.
• Gather together as many important documents as you can, and consider keeping them in a locked fireproof file box or safe deposit box.
• Review this Executor’s Resource checklist (pdf)(four pages) to be sure you’ve covered everything.
• Share this document with those who will need it.

More reading:

• 8 ways to leave a mess for your heirs from MSN Money
• getfreelegalforms.com executor checklist
• Executor Checklist (pdf) (five pages)
• Organizers from todaysseniors.com
• http://www.elderlawanswers.com/Elder_Info/Elder_Article.asp?id=703
• Leaving a Legacy from http://www.thestrengthsfoundation.org
• Book: The Handbook to Wills, Funerals and Probate

Two new printable, portable forms to track diet & exercise:

Daily PlanIt Exercise Chart (side one)

Daily PlanIt Food Diary (side two)

(6 forms per page, close to 3 x5 size)

The science of positive psychology meets the science of goal accomplishment in the book Creating Your Best Life: the Ultimate Life List Guide by Caroline Miller and Dr. Michael B Frisch. This research-based book shows how goals contribute to a meaningful life.

Edwin Locke’s Goal Setting Theory is summarized at Mind Tools: To motivate, goals must have:

1. Clarity.
2. Challenge.
3. Commitment.
4. Feedback.
5. Task complexity.

Is there evidence that proves that it is important to set goals?

Studies by Locke conclude that 90% of laboratory and field studies involving specific and challenging goals led to higher performance than did easy or no goals. -Wikipedia

Is there evidence that proves written goals are most effective?

A Study Validating The Effectiveness of Written Goals

A supposed study at Harvard/Yale that showed those who wrote down goals were 10% more successful, has been debunked. However an actual study has been done with results received from 149 participants at Dominican University. The results of the study:

The positive effect of written goals was supported: Those who wrote their goals accomplished significantly more than those who did not write their goals.

[...]

• This study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of three coaching tools: accountability, commitment and writing down one’s goals.

(Source: Summary of Recent Goals Research (PDF), by Gail Matthews, Ph.D., Dominican University)

Is there evidence that proves that goals that are measured are more likely to be achieved?

What we measure improves - “Studies show that people do better when they keep track of their progress.”

The Science of Setting and Achieving Goals at Achieving Personal Goals

Benefits of setting goals:

• Direction
• Results
• Add value
• Increase self-esteem
• Shine

Here are some simple strategies for setting goals. Give it a try and let me know if you think goal setting improves your life.

Read More ….about the benefits of setting goals: NASC (pdf) & Goal Setting For Success

The ability to delay gratification is an important skill for achieving goals. This means you are able to clearly see and commit to long-term results over short-term satisfactions. An example would be choosing not to eat a donut now in order to reach a goal of losing weight. The results will not be immediate, so it’s important to maintain your motivation to overcome the temptation in front of you now.

Delayed gratification is often needed to reach financial goals. You must restrain yourself from buying the cup of coffee you’d like to have now in order to save money to pay more on a credit card bill. This takes self-discipline.  Perhaps you may see the need to exercise more, but you do not really want to. To increase this ability, make yourself want to do want you know you should do by keeping your focus on the benefits of results. Keep your goals visual and visible.

Further Reading: Delaying Gratification at Financial Highway. | Why We Procrastinate