Want to know how to set goals using the good, better, best method? Whether this is the first time you are setting goals or you are a seasoned goal-setter I’m here to help you. Keep on reading to find out how to set goals using the good, better, best method.
Why are there different methods for setting goals?
When it comes to setting goals there are a number of methods you can try. Some common ones are:
- SMART goals (Read about setting SMART goals here)
- Be, Do, Have method (Read about using the Be, Do, Have method here).
- The Good, Better, Best method
There isn’t one right way to set goals and that is why a number of different methods have been invented. Each method is slightly different and each method has different advantages and disadvantages. Different methods work for different people because we are all slightly different. This is why it is important for you to get to know yourself. It is your responsibility to find a method that works best for you. However, you don’t have to choose a favourite method and stick with it for life. I personally have used all three methods for setting different goals at different times in my life.
HOW TO SET GOALS USING THE GOOD, BETTER, BEST METHOD
The good, better, best method of setting goals involves taking one goal and turning it into three related goals. The level of difficulty increases between each goal. The idea is that you would be happy with achieving all three goals, but the level of achievement goes up with each goal. The easiest way to demonstrate how it works is with a quantifiable goal.
Example 1
You want to set a goal to lose weight before your next birthday. Using the good, better and best method you might set the following:
GOOD: Lose 10kg by my next birthday
BETTER: Lose 15kg by my next birthday
BEST: Lose 20kg by my next birthday
Example 2
You want to get into the habit of investing regularly. Using the good, better and best method you might set the following:
GOOD: Invest at least £25 per month for the next 3 months
BETTER: Invest at least £50 per month for the next 3 months
BEST: Invest at least £100 per month for the next 3 months
In both examples, you can see how the better goal is harder to achieve than the good goal and that the best goal is harder to achieve than the better goal.
Why you might consider using the Good, Better, Best method?
The Good, Better, Best method of goal setting is good to try if you feel as if you are currently limiting yourself with setting goals because you want to ensure you hit them. Some people when setting goals with the SMART method really struggle to find a balance between setting a goal that will stretch them and wanting to set a goal they can achieve. Some people are very comfortable with setting goals and not achieving them, whereas some people hate to not achieve their goals. Those who hate not achieving their goals are likely to make their goals easier to ensure they achieve them. This sort of works against the idea of setting goals, but that is where the Good, Better, Best method comes in.
How do you choose what is a Good, Better and Best goal?
If you are using the Good, Better and Best method you might be trying to figure out how difficult your goals at each level should be. Now that entirely depends on how hard you want to push yourself. As a starting point I usually recommend the following:
- GOOD GOAL – Set your good goal at a leave that you would be happy with the achievement, but it also feels within reach.
- BETTER GOAL – Your better goal should feel like a stretch. Depending on your personality you’ll decide how far to stretch yourself.
- BEST GOAL – This should feel very challenging and it might even feel unachievable. However, it should be something that would feel absolutely amazing to achieve
That’s it! You now know how to set goals using the Good, Better, Best method.
The good, better, best method is great to be able to maximise your sense of achievement, whilst also still being able to aim high. Used correctly it can allow you to set big goals, whilst also having a more achievable goal that keeps you motivated.
In the comments, I would love to hear about the goals you’ve set.
