It is often easy to forget exactly how important setting goals is to self improvement. We can have lofty ambitions for changing or improving who we are, but if we don’t begin the journey with one step as Confucius once said and then break it down into smaller plans, the journey might begin to seem impossible.

The reason goal setting works as a means of self improvement is two-fold: the first part is obvious it allows us to break a really complex task down into small components that are easier to follow, more detailed, and less overwhelming. The second reason why goal setting is an effective means of self improvement is that it provides us with constant motivation. Whenever we accomplish that goal or objective on the way to the greater goal, we feel as if we have made progress, and it emboldens us to work towards the next goal in line.

Before anyone can begin setting goals for self improvement, he must determine what it is about himself that he would like to change and for what reason. For some people, the ultimate act of self improvement would involve quitting smoking cigarettes. For others, weight is a self improvement issue for which they are most concerned. For others, it might be something different, like being more assertive, more financially secure, or more charitable.

Of course, no one knows our faults better than we do. If we’re overweight, we usually know just horrible it makes us feel, even if no one around us even really notices it. If we drink beyond what could be considered careful moderation, we know how it makes us feel and what it has done to our relationships.

Now, once you have identified what it is that you would like to improve about yourself, you can begin the goal setting process. Start with the ultimate goal (i.e., to become a better speaker in front of a crowd). Next, depending on how large your ultimate goal is and how long it will reasonably take you to accomplish begin goal setting for objectives with timelines. For these smaller objectives, it is a good idea to tie them to actions, rather than results. If, for instance, your goal is research and read material that will help you overcome your fear of public speaking, or how to become a more persuasive speaker. Then you may want to look for public speaking classes online or in your city that offer classes that will help you overcome your public speaking anxiety.

You may find and read printed material to help you get rid of your public speaking anxiety ,but feel like you have only completed 30% of your goal then you will want to accomplish another small goal of attending a public speaking class. Public speaking classes will give you the opportunity to get involved and practice what you will learn to give you more confidence. These small or part actions will serve as bit pieces to help you accomplish your goals of becoming better at public speaking. If you followed the goals you set out to accomplish for the time period : did I read the proper materials to help me with my public speaking fear, did I attend public speaking classes as to have been tutored and practice public speaking, and did I practice my art of presentation giving ? So, to reiterate, successful goal setting for self improvement consists of three things: creating long term goals, short term objectives, and re-evaluating the plan to make sure it is more realistic.

Author's Bio: 

Steven Stasczak is a motivational speaker who facilitates professional speaking training and team building events/workshops. He spent his earlier career as a top business to business sales manager before beginning coaching and training around the U.S. professionally. His areas of expertise includes developing effective public speaking workshops and helping individuals overcome fear of public speaking. He also performs and facilitates leadership training , time management workshops and fun team building activities to align your team in the workplace