In order to understand the process of setting personal goals, it is necessary to have a clear picture of the functioning of the mind. It can be thought of comprising of two parts- the conscious and the sub conscious mind. The responsibility of the conscious mind is to be aware of the current situations and it is the sub conscious mind that keeps all information regarding all other things. It is in the sub conscious mind that the personality of the person, the feelings, habits and thoughts are stored. The conscious-mind can be controlled. However, it takes a lot of effort and determination to reprogram and direct the sub conscious mind. In order to control it, smart personal goal should be set and there are some guidelines that are helpful in controlling the sub conscious-mind.
An important guideline of an effective goal-setting is that the goals should be set smartly. This means that the goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, rewarding and timely. If one neglects any one of the goals, they are bound to fail as the main force that drives one towards goals or holds one back, is the sub conscious mind. These set goals should be set in the subconscious mind and it should accept these goals. They are necessary criteria for the sub conscious mind.
Goals need to be specific
With the help of a specific goal, the aim is specific and one is able to know what one exactly wants from a particular thing. There should be some specific standards for achieving something. While making some specific goals it is important to write down the goals as it is an important part of goal-setting. If it is specific the chances of success is high.
Measurable
If one wants a goal to succeed it should be measured. The progress of the goal should be measured and there are some specific criteria that tell about the time in which is achieved and one can stop. One should feel the progress as it helps in staying focused and enjoy the progress of the goal.
Attainable
Attainable goals are one in which one can see a realistic path for achieving the goal and the roadblocks that may be there. However, this does not mean that if the aim is lower the chances of success is high. Each goal has a specific challenge and even if it is ambitious it is reachable. If it is achieved it gives a sense of achievement and is quite motivating.
Rewarding
If there is a clear reason of achieving a goal, then the rewards are sweeter. This is the time when one should have a goal of their own. The reasons of the goal and expected rewards should be clearly written and if possible visual pictures should be made.
Timely
The next requirement of setting goals is to have a time limit. This is am important part of sub conscious-mind. If a fixed time limit is set the subconscious mind will always keep saying the goal should be achieved. If a deadline is set it protects one from paying a price that is higher than the worth of the goal.
Stephen C Campbell (Master NLP Practitioner) has published more information on using the Subconscious as a Goal Setting tool at
http://www.usingyoursubconsciousmind.com
