So what is the secret to achieving your goals? It is staying consistent. But as we all know it is easier said than done. One of the best ways you can stay on track is to use goal-tracking tools to help you measure your progress.
In this blog post, I share five goal-tracking tools that will help you stay:
- Focused
- Motivated
- Organised
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Tracking Your Goals
You might have tried tracking before and you haven’t been successful. However, staying consistent with your tracking can give you three benefits when you want to achieve goals.
Stay Focused
It helps you to stay focused on what matters the most. It’s easy to get distracted and want to off down some other rabbit holes when you are working towards your goals. But when you start tracking you hold yourself accountable and it gives you the focus you need.
Remember to Celebrate
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the end goals that we forget to celebrate along the way. Little wins and things you achieve during your journey or still as important as the final destination.
Look Out for Obstacles
Look out for things that become obstacles and slow down your progress. Identify these annoying areas and figure out how you can eliminate them from your life. The key is to fix these issues early on.
Top 5 Goal-Tracking Tools
There are many goal-tracking tools out there to help you. Here are 5 that are worth looking into. If possible, it’s best to try them all out and work with one that feels best for you.
1) Trello
If you enjoy working with something visual, Trello is a good choice for you. It’s a task management tool that can help you break things down into different steps.
It has a simple dashboard where you can create different boards depending on the project or topic. In the boards you can create different cards to keep yourself organised as you work through your goals.
2) Daily Planners
Yes, everything is more tech driven these days. However, if you prefer working with pen and paper, don’t rule it out. A structured daily planner can keep your goals on track.
The good thing about daily planners is that you have a “list” to work through. It helps you feel that you are making progress as you work through each task and cross them off as you work towards achieving your goals.
3) Habitica
Have you ever thought about gamifying your life? Habitica is a unique way to keep yourself motivated as you work on your goals. With “Habits”, “Dailies”, “To Do’s” and “Rewards”, there is something for everyone on this platform.
You can even start your own party or join existing ones and take on quests to boost your motivation. It makes your goals a little bit more exciting and can help give you a drive on those days when you might not want to be consistent.
4) Customised Tools For Greater Accountability
As mentioned in a previous post, you must have a level of accountability if you want achieve your goals. It helps you to keep going on those days when you are busy or life throws you an unexpected curve ball.
A customised programme that focuses on YOU, can keep you accountable and motivated. Accountability coaching programmes are personal and suit your unique goals. Accountability coaches are comfortable holding people accountable and creating customised trackers.
5) Use Google Sheets as a Goal-Tracking Tool
If you like to keep it really simple, you could use a Google Sheet to detail your goals and your progress. You can input your set goals and deadline and use it as a tracking tool.
The good thing about Google Sheets is that you can use the data you have input and put it into charts. You can then visually see any trends that are happening as you work with your goals. It can give you an opportunity to tweak them or understand more about yourself.
How To Choose The Right Goal-Tracking Tool
What works for me might not work for you!
Pick the one that feels the most comfortable so you can track your goals without stress and enjoy the process. Here are some things to consider to help you select one.
Match the Goal-Tracking Tool to Your Personality
Ask yourself if you lean more towards tech or prefer more traditional ways of working. Matching the tool to your personality will help you be more successful. You want to work with a goal-tracking tool that feels right.
Does it Align With Your Goals?
It’s also important to think about the goal-tracking tool and see if it aligns with your actual goals. For example, is it habit-building or project management. It will help you to narrow down which one is more suitable.
Stay Consistent
As I mentioned at the beginning of the blog post, it is all about staying consistent. It’s fair to say any tool can work if you are prepared to use it regularly. Don’t get into the habit of starting something and then move on to something else. Use the tool for the full duration of your goal.
Keep Your Goal-Tracking Simple
Goal-tracking does not have to be complicated at all. With the right tools that match you, it is possible to stay consistent, focused, and motivated so you do achieve your goals.
Want to know more about goal-tracking tools designed just for you?
Sally Leslie is the founder of The Leslie Link. She coaches leaders and senior professionals helping them use emotional intelligence and meditation and build mental resilience in their lives. She’s the author of Think Clearly. Lead Calmly. A Guide for Leaders Under Pressure and The Jacket Potato Shop. She is based between Newcastle, UK and Mallorca, Spain.
