I guarantee that you can accomplish more than you believe possible in your life! It makes no difference whether you are already a CEO or you are struggling out of poverty. Goal setting will take you to the next plateau. With the proper focus and planning, one can accomplish what appears today to be unattainable.
There are four types of goals. These are incremental, short term, long term and what I like to describe as awe inspiring goals. Planning for goals can be done in two directions; bottom up and top down.
The simplest type of goal is incremental. This means that you make some tiny change along your current path. For example, you may decide to lose one more pound or complete one additional class in school. For incremental goals, the path is normally clear. You already know what is needed to accomplish the goal. It just requires additional focus and effort.
Short term goals are goals that can be accomplished in a year or less. You may decide to lose 25 pounds or complete an additional thirty units of education to receive a degree. It is quite possible that at the moment you write these goals you will have no idea how you will accomplish them. Don't worry this is a normal part of the process. The important step is to articulate what you want to accomplish. Once that is done, tell everyone you encounter what your goals are. This will constantly reinforce your focus and draw the needed resources into your life. My experience is that the majority of people are glad to help if you can clearly state what you need.
Long term goals are goals that can be accomplished in a two to five year time period. These are goals that push you out of your comfort zone. These types of goals could include doubling or tripling your current income, finishing medical school or successfully designing and launching a new business.
Last but not least there are awe inspiring goals. Setting a goal to end poverty or hunger in your local community would qualify for this type of goal. This type of goal will require creativity, leadership, vision and persistence to achieve
Once you write your initial goal it needs to be flushed out. Describe not only your goal in detail but also your motivation. Why? When the going gets tough remembering your motivation will help you push past the obstacles. See yourself having already achieved your goal. How would you act differently? What does the success feel like? What are people saying to you? Make the image more and more vivid. Increase the intensity of the colors and sounds. If your goal is to purchase a sailboat, feel the breeze across your clothes and the smell of the salt air. Feel the boat bouncing on the waves and your hands on the steering wheel. Finally feel passion about achieving your goal. Work on increasing the feeling of pleasure and joy from achieving the goal. Passion is the most powerful catalyst there is not achieving your goal.
To produce a list of goals via the bottoms up method, start with writing out incremental goals and then list out the long range goals. To produce your goal list via the top down method, start with your awe inspiring goal. Then work backwards outlining each step needed to accomplish it. If you are struggling to think of a goal, I suggest starting with incremental goals. Accomplish one of these small goals to build your self confidence and then imagine taking bigger steps.
All goals will cause you to focus your energy and resources on accomplishing a specific outcome. Without goals, your daily life will be like a captain steering a ship with no specific port in mind. There will be lots of energy and activity, but the ship will just sail in circles.
Once your goals are set it is critical to review them each day and create an action plan. The difference between wishful thinking and goal setting is that action is being taken on a consistent basis. Your current situation can always be improved via goal setting.
Here are few examples of wishful thinking and goal setting. See if you can figure out the differences. Then write out four goals of your own. Which one of these three people will actually achieve their goal?
* Wishful Thinking - "Someday I guess maybe I will go back to school and finish my degree." * Basic Goal Statement - "Next year I will complete 30 units so I can finish my degree." * Complete Goal Statement - "By December 15, 2008 I will complete the thirty units required to finish my accounting degree. I can clearly see myself attending Acme College's graduation ceremony and can hear my named being called to receive my diploma. I can feel the incredible joy of throwing my cap up in the air at the end of the ceremony. I am motivated to work relentlessly to achieve this goal because I need to better support my family. I am willingly to give up Monday night football and many other fun events so that I have adequate time to study. I will not be deterred by financial obstacles and other roadblocks that may appear. I will not be denied my goal!"
Tip: Write out your goals on a small piece of paper. Attach the paper to the back of your ATM card. Every time you use your card your goals will be reinforced.
Articles Source - Free Articles
About the Author
Randy Ross shares a free online course called "Unstoppable Success 101." It can be viewed at
http://www.unstoppablesuccess.com His free course covers goal setting, positive thinking, building self confidence and improving self esteem. You can also download free inspirational PowerPoint and audio presentations. Mr. Ross received his MBA from Duke University and teaches graduate level strategic planning and positive thinking courses
