Get into the RE:ACT mindset: How to set goals and actually achieve them

At RE:ACT, we’re all about taking on challenges, whether that’s reaching remote communities affected by disaster, or solving complex problems we’ve never encountered before. We know our volunteers love a challenge, so after speaking with Harrie and Louis about their World Record marathon tyre flip attempt, we wanted to help you get inspired and succeed with your own personal goals.  

Preparation is key when taking on any challenge of any size, and the key to preparing for success is to first set goals. They help us define what’s important and what motivates us. But while setting goals seems easy, actually following through with them can be hard, and that’s where people often fall short.

So, whether it’s running a marathon, achieving a goal at work or even becoming a RE:ACT International Responder, here’s a few tips to help you set, and stick to, goals in your life.

Set Goals That Are Important To You

Your goals need to motivate you; this means making sure that it’s something you’re passionate about, something that genuinely interests you. This helps create a sense of purpose that’ll motivate you to stop thinking and start doing. Whether your goal is big or small, it’s important that there is value in reaching them. Motivation is the key to achieving goals.

Is your goal smart?

For goals to be achievable, they should be designed to be SMART.

Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve. The narrower your goal, the more you’ll understand the steps necessary to achieve it.

Measurable: Make sure you can measure your goals, so you can keep on track of your progress and know when you’ve reached them.

Achievable: Setting goals you can reasonably accomplish within a certain timeframe will help keep you focused and motivated. Goals that are too difficult can be discouraging and lead you to giving up. While goals that are too easy can lead you to losing interest.

Relevant: Your goals need to match your personal, your interests and your personal aspirations. This will help you to develop your focus. If they are not to your individual needs, it will be extremely hard to motivate yourself and continue with them. 

Time-Bound: Set goals with a deadline. Having a defined timeline can help provide motivation and keep you on track. It also means you know when to celebrate your own success.

Copy

Create an Action Plan

Break down your goals into smaller actionable steps. When your goal is too big, you will feel overwhelmed and unable to act on it. By writing out the individual steps, your goals will feel much more attainable. As you complete each milestone you’ll realise you’re making progress towards your ultimate goal.

Identify Your Biggest Obstacles

Be honest with yourself and consider the potential challenges you will face on your journey. If you plan for what to do when things go wrong, you’re more likely to reach your end goal. Just make sure you don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t go your way the first time. Setbacks happen in life, keep going.

Celebrate Your Success

When you look back on where you started, make sure you celebrate how far you’ve come. Every milestone that you can tick off is a personal win. Setting goals and sticking with them is no easy job, so be proud of how far you’ve come.

Feel inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge? Head to our JustGiving page.

Support Harrie & Louis with their World Record Breaking Tyre Flip Challenge.