Setting Goals
Goal setting is a very important part of success. Yet, it seems that we neglect this as part of our plan for success. It seems that we are too lazy for this step. Some people think that this step is a waste of time. Oh, my. Does this make sense to anyone? How are we going to get from where we are to where we want to be if we are not setting goals for ourselves and working on achieving them? What do we understand about setting goals? Is there any way to increase our likelihood of achieving our goals?
First, let's take a look at goals. Most people have heard of SMART goals. It has been suggested (correctly) that we are to create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Let's take a quick look at this equation for success in achieving our goals.
Setting goals would be a waste of time if we were to make general goals. "I want to be successful" is not a goal, it's a dream. A goal is something specific. Define for yourself what it means to be successful. Say, "I will do this" or "I will do that". Write your goals down. Keep them in front of you, whether it's on your mirror, your refrigerator, or next to your computer. Keep your focus on these goals and how you will reach them. How else will you know when you have achieved your goal, unless you set a specific target?
Next, goals should be measurable. This helps you to track your progress. If you have a goal to make $50,000, you will be able to track your progress better than if your goal was to "make a lot of money".
Goals should be attainable. This means that if you have a huge goal that will take a lifetime, you should break it down into smaller goals so that you will have momentum as you reach the smaller goals. If you want a PhD, you should have smaller goals to graduate high school, get an AA, get a bachelor's degree, get a master's degree, then get your PhD. By the way, getting an education is one of the best things that you can do for your future.
Goals should also be realistic. You should not make a goal for yourself if it is a waste of time. Take an honest look at your goal to make sure it is worth your energy and effort. It takes sacrifice to achieve goals. It would be sad for you to sacrifice your entire life in search of a way for earthlings to colonize the sun.
Lastly, goals should be timely. Set a timeframe for your goals. Do you want to get a degree by the time you are 30? Do you want to save $10,000 in the next 12 months? Lose 15 pounds in 3 months? If you don't set a timeframe, history tells us that your goal will most likely not be achieved.
Now that we have identified SMART goals, let's get some motivation as we embark on this journey. You will need to believe in your goal, to have a greater purpose for your goal. Let's say you want to get your PhD. Why do you want it? Is it so that you can get a great job that allows you to spend more time with your family? Do you want the education because you have a dream to change the world? Having a greater purpose for our goals helps us to stay motivated to reach them. Do yourself a favor and write down your greater purpose for your goals.
Prepare for roadblocks. If you want a PhD, then you are looking at 10 years of college education. A lot can happen to you in 10 years. You may get married, have children, become unemployed, lose a loved one, and so on. Life continues to happen while you reach for your dreams. Prepare for that. If you lose your job, will you just give up and forget about your dreams? If so, you may want to reconsider why you have the dream in the first place. It may not mean enough to you. However, if you look at your roadblock as if it was just a speedbump, you can transform your reality by changing your thinking.
Stay accountable. Tell others about your goals. This doesn't mean that you tell every person you meet. Instead, find a select few people that you can really trust. These people should know you inside and out and be able to look you in the eye and tell you the honest truth, even if it hurts. These people need to be positive, encouraging supporters. I can't stress this enough. Successful people surround themselves with other successful people. Losers bring you down, successful people will build you up. Assemble a winning team to support you.
Reward yourself. When you are setting your goals, decide upon rewards for yourself that fit the goal. As you progress along towards your goal, have bigger and better rewards for yourself. You are doing a good job. It's not easy for anyone, it just looks easy because they have a positive attitude and don't give up when it comes to failure.
Setting goals is a very important tool in becoming successful. Losers don't want to take the time to do this vital step. Don't be a loser. Instead, control your future and be a chooser. Choose to follow your dreams, and take control of your life.
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