(This is Part 5 of the series 6 Months to Freedom. Click the following for the preceding parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)
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We have analyzed the world of goals and seen how they can promote positive action and results in our lives. Now, we move on to an aspect that is slightly different yet carries similar characteristics as goals. This aspect is benchmarks.
Aren’t These Goals
If I were to ask for an example of a benchmark and a goal, most would say they are the exact same thing thus providing the same example. However, the two differ.
A goal is set with an end in mind. A benchmark is a stepping stone of accomplishment that helps achieve and lead to that end goal. For example, I may set a goal of losing 10 pounds, but I set benchmarks of 2 pounds per week. Yes, the 2 pound benchmark can be seen as a goal as well, but I view it in the stepping stone analogy as stated previously.
Realistic & Unrealistic Benchmarks
A realistic benchmark is set within the terms of reality. Sure, we may be able to accomplish more at a low percentage, but setting the realistic goal proves to be achievable and not daunting. An unrealistic benchmark (i.e. lose 40 pounds in a week) might be possible through extreme starvation or exercise, but carries a high rate of failure.
We have already established the goal. It’s set in stone. What can be tougher are the actual benchmarks.
Setting benchmarks is difficult because we might either set to easy of benchmarks or go into the unrealistic side and set benchmarks that we can’t achieve. The following are a few ways you can set realistic benchmarks…
- Ask Others for Help - Do you know a professional trainer, financial advisor, or someone else in the profession that you are trying to achieve your goal in? Ask them for help. Sure, it may cost you some money, but you will be able to learn from someone who specializes in that field a lot faster than trying to learn everything.
- Only Look a Week Out – For the first established benchmark, only look a week out. The closer the benchmark date is to the date you set it, the more tangible it becomes and the less likely you will fail at it. If successful after the first benchmark, then start setting benchmarks further out.
- Just Set a Benchmark – What’s the worst that happens? You set your benchmark too low or high. All that means is the second go around you adjust accordingly. This may take the understanding and positive forward thinking you have lacked, but this is a great time to start implementing such skills. Learn from your previous benchmarks and be realistic going forward.
And This Applies to 6 Months to Freedom How Exactly
The reason I wanted to discuss this is because of my own journey. Many times I set goals in the past, I failed in the benchmarks department. I either didn’t set them or set unrealistic ones. By doing so, I constantly failed. It wasn’t until I set the Move-to-Aussie goal that I focused more heavily on the benchmarks. At first, I set benchmarks like, “Saved $5 in a jar at home today,” and progressed to, “Save $100 this week on food.” Once I set the goal and stopped thinking about it so much, it actually became a reality.
Set your benchmarks and be realistic. There is no need to fail simply because the path you set was unrealistic.
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