Confidence in Goal Setting

As we are generating more pathways and increasing our agency, the next thing to do is to increase our confidence toward our goal.  This confidence is called self-efficacy.  In the research, higher self-efficacy is related to achieving goals, well-being and being able to problem solve.  It is also negatively related to depression and anxiety. 

So how do you increase self-efficacy?  There are many ways but I will focus on three here.  First, you want to make sure you have a role model.  Do you want to get a promotion, finish your dissertation, or start a new company?  The first step is to find someone you have access to that has already accomplished your goal.  Meet with this person to find out how they went about it and find out what advice they have to offer.  This will help paint a clear picture of how success was achieved.

Second, you need supporters.  You need to assemble your team of supporters who will help you rally when you fall down, and most importantly, cheer you when you succeed.  Make sure they are an active constructive responder (see this blog).

Third, reflect on similar goals you have achieved in the past.  How did you go about getting the job in the first place? How did you finish your master’s degree or thesis? What have you done in the past that involved starting something new or creating something from scratch?  These are all clues to how you have successfully operating in the past, and you should look for the strategies that have worked for you before and remind you to apply them in the current scenario.

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