Okay, I can hear you saying to yourself about now…
“Oh crap, not another lengthy ‘planning session’ on setting goals, haven’t we discussed this to death already?”
Well, unless you’ve learned to set and obtain your goals and are actually doing it, then no, we obviously haven’t discussed it enough (smile).
Let’s see if my approach to goal setting makes sense…
Listen, the basics of setting and obtaining goals is pretty much an open secret among top athletes, successful business people and high achievers alike. Setting goals for these individuals, is literally “matter of fact” that’s not given much of second thought.
However, to the average person, who’s looking to become “un-average”, setting goals is like riding a bike for the first time with the training wheels off! The result? They usually crash and burn within 30 days (or less) of setting the goal. It doesn’t have to be this way, it’s really rather simple once you know how…
The basics of setting goals give you:
a) Short-term objectives
b) Long-term motivation, and
c) Focus
They (goals) help you set about the acquisition of required knowledge and help you to plan and organize your resources and your time so that you can get the best out of your life. Simple enough, eh?
Listen, setting clearly defined short term and long term goals will enable you to measure your progress and achieve personal satisfaction once you have successfully met your goals. Just like getting the first “win” under your belt gives you the believability that you can, do it.
Likewise, charting your progress will also enable you to actually see the stages of completion leading to the actual realization of your goals. This eliminates the feeling of a long and pointless grind towards achieving your goal. Your self-confidence and level of competence will also improve as you will be more aware of your capabilities as you complete or achieve your goals.
The basics of goal setting involve deciding what you really want to do with your personal life and what short term and long term goals you need to achieve it. Then you have to break down goals into the smaller and manageable targets that you must complete in your way to achieving your lifetime targets. Once you have your list waste no time in tackling your goals.
A good way to have a manageable list is to have a daily and weekly set of goals. By doing this you will be always in the position of going towards your life plan goals. Everyday will give you the opportunity to fulfill a certain goal giving you the feeling of accomplishment.
Here are some pointers that should be taken into consideration in setting goals and achieving them.Attitude plays a very big role in setting and achieving your goals. You must ask yourself:
“Is any part of me or my mindset holding me back towards completing my simplest goals?”
And,
“Are there are any parts of my behavior that is a hindrance or puts my plans into disarray?”
If you do have problems in these areas then the immediate thing to do is to address this problem. Solutions may include a visit to a doctor or psychiatrist to control your emotions. Sorry, I know this can be a “touchy” subject with some, but if you are to truly accomplish your goals, you must be willing to look at all the angles.
Careers are made by good time management practice. Failing in a career is often attributed to bad time management. Careers require a lot from an individual which often makes the career the life of the individual. Plan how far do you want to go into your career, your business, your life!
Education, specialized training, etc is critical in achieving your goals. If your goals require you to have a certain kind of degree, require a certain specialization, or demand a certain skill to be developed, make plans in getting the appropriate education.
Your family should never, ever be left out of your plans! If you are just starting out then you have to decide if you want to be a parent or when you want to be a parent. You also have to know if you really would be a good parent and how well would you relate to extended family members.
Personal financial situations also play a major role in achieving your goals. Have a realistic goal on how much you really want to earn. You also must be able to create plans or stages by which you will be able to reach your earning potential.
Physically gifted individuals may be able to achieve sports related goals like being in the National Basketball Association or National Football League. Determining your physical capabilities should be one of your priorities. Physical limitations could however be conquered with proper planning.
Remember, what good does it do to become wealthy if you’re not physically able to enjoy it? Or worse, not here to enjoy it! As the saying goes -’All work and no play makes Jack, or Jill, a dull person’, or something to that effect, is by all means true down to the last the letter. Giving yourself a little pleasure should be included into your plans. Relaxation, ‘fun in the sun’, playtime, whatever you want to call it, is a MUST if you are to have the mental acuity and stamina it takes to succeed at your goals & dreams.
To start achieving your life’s goals, set a quarter of a century plan, then break it down to 5 year plans then break it down again to 1 year plans, then 6 month plans then monthly plans, then weekly, then daily. Then create a things-to-do list for the day. Always review your plans and prepare for contingencies.
The basics of goal settings should not be so difficult once you get to be familiar with them.
Plan your work (goals) and then work your plan (goals)…Simple enough?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to check back often for more updates. As always, we appreciate your feedback, comments and questions.
Until next time,
Godspeed
James
~+~
{ 2 comments }
Thank you so very much, I have been searching for some posts on this for weeks and you’ve got just what I want! It is amazing how facts and technology can get the best of us occasionally! Google rocks yea!
Your blog is so informative ¡ keep up the good work!!!!
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