Trying to set goals in an uncertain time? Setting goals and putting together an action plan can be difficult at the best of times, but it becomes even harder when there is uncertainty. Keep on reading to find out how you can set goals, and plan for the future, even in uncertain times.
1. Be willing to change the timeframe
When it comes to goals it is important to ensure they are SMART. You can find out more about setting SMART goals by clicking here. The T is SMART stands for TIMED. Now usually I’m pretty strict on setting a timeframe and sticking to it. However, in uncertain times it makes sense to be a bit more flexible with timings. Set a time that feels realistic in the beginning, but if as time moves on it becomes clear you won’t hit that deadline feel free to move it back.
2. Review your action plan often
The bigger the level of uncertainty the less confident you’ll be when creating your action plan. There is nothing wrong with that, but it means you’ll have to review your action plan more often. In the first instance write down all of the actions that you think you’ll need to take right now to achieve your goals. Ideally, you should write the actions down in the order you’ll need to take them to help your goal come true.
Then for each action assign a length of time it will take or you can add a deadline for when you want to have completed that action.
This should give you a rough timeline. Then it is your responsibility to regularly review that timeline and make changes where necessary.
3. Add flexibility
When there is uncertainty it is important to be flexible. Flexibility might be giving yourself more time as mentioned in point 1. However, it could also be flexibility in relation to the way you achieve your goals. You might write down different ways you can achieve the same goal and follow the best route for the current time, but know if necessary you can change your path.
4. Think through possible scenarios
Whilst you might not be sure about the future, you might have a few scenarios that you can work through in your head. Working through different scenarios will help you to work out whether there are multiple ways to achieve your goal and add that into your action plan. Also, by working through the possible scenarios it will help you to feel ready to face what may lie ahead for you. Furthermore, uncertainty is caused when you don’t know what is going to happen. Whilst you might now know which scenario will come true, you can at least feel as worked through multiple options and therefore have more confidence in your ability to cope with the uncertainty.
5. Make a note of what is important to you, but will be actioned at a later date
Do you have a goal that is important to you and something you want to achieve in the future but right now really doesn’t feel like the right time to start working towards it. There is nothing wrong with that.
When you are setting goals you should be happy to work towards the current list right now. However, it is important not to ignore those other goals that you want to set, but now doesn’t feel like the right time. You need to get those goals out of your head and onto paper otherwise they’ll keep running round your head. This is why I recommend having a Now, Future and Maybe Goals List. This enables you to be clear on what you are working on right now, but have a safe space, outside of your brain, where your future goals live. You can find out how to create your very own Now, Future and Maybe Goals List by clicking here.
That’s it! You now know how to set goals, and plan ahead, in uncertain times.
I hope this has been useful and will help you to continue setting and working towards your goals.
I would love to know in the comments below which tip you are going to use.
