Goals Need Specifics and a Completion Date

by Dick
(Michigan)

For me, when setting a goal, either in personal life or in professional life, the two most important elements are first, making the goal specific and second, assigning a completion date to it.

Without specifics, I'm unable to monitor my progress toward a goal. Without effective monitoring, I can neither congratulate myself on success nor can I recognize when something slips and I need to implement corrective action. Without a completion date, I find I can lose my focus and intensity. Without adequate focus and intensity, I deprive myself of an important support to drive me through the hard work of achieving the goal.

My goal specifics occur at two levels. At the highest level, the specifics are the definitive statement of what the outcome will be when the goal is achieved. At the lower level, the specifics provide the detail, e.g., the activities to be completed and the resources to be used, required to complete the goal.

The completion date for the goal may be expressed in whatever time frame is appropriate, e.g., hours, months or years. The keys for me are that the date is set and that it balances the need for efficiency with the need for effectiveness. A well-set completion date spurs me to act without procrastination but with excellence.

I find that a goal without specifics and without a completion date is really just a vague dream.