Goal Setting

Setting great goals, and making them come true.

“If one does not know to which port he is sailing, no wind is favorable.”  - Seneca, circa AD 50

Having good goals is important.  And yet, most attempts at goal setting end in failure.

Does this mean goal setting is a waste of time? Yes and no.  If all you do is set a goal, it is quite likely a waste of time. 

But if what you do is carefully select goals that are:

• really important to you
• aligned with your values 
• backed by a plan and a support structure to make them come true

then you are well on your way to joining the privileged minority of very successful people who have mastered goal setting.  Here is a quick primer to help you with your goals.

Goal Setting- A Quick Primer

1.   Select a goal that is really important to you, that will significantly improve your life (try to have goals that get you excited.).

2.   Once you have a very clear mental picture of your goal, write it down in clear and specific language.  (This is more important than you may guess. Also, write it down in the positive.)

3.   Be sure to set a completion time. A goal without a schedule is just a dream.

4.   Write down the reasons you have for achieving the goal. – Why is this important to you?  What will achieving it give to you?  Finally, how will it feel to accomplish this goal? ( Feelings are 10 times more powerful than thoughts.  It is very important to get emotionally connected to your goal.  The greater the desire the more energy you’ll have to pursue the goal.)

5.   Check that your goal does not significantly conflict with other goals you may have, or the other areas of your life that you value.

6.   Look at the main steps needed to achieve your goal. Over time create a plan, down to daily actions that will see you taking consistent steps towards achieving your goal.  (Yes I know this involves work, but if your goal is not worth doing this, you need a more powerful goal.)

7.   Look at the biggest obstacles you'll face and develop some strategies for overcoming them.  

8.   Create your support team. This is an important step. Decide on what ongoing support (or reminders) you'll need to keep focused on your goal. Failure to get adequate support is probably the biggest single reasons goals fail.

 9.  Describe how you'll reward yourself when you achieve your goal.

10.  Focus on three to five goals at any one time.

11.  Be sure to tell others about your goals.  Sharing them keeps them alive and
 builds your support network.

Suggested Goal Areas

Here are some suggested goal setting areas that may be of help.

Health/Fitness – What do you want feel/look like? What do you need to do each week to accomplish that?  Food? Exercise? Sleep? 

Main Relationship – More intimacy? Fun?

Career – Where do I want to be in my career 12 months from now? More challenge, recognition, responsibility, harmony, a greater sense of making a difference?

Friends – What type of people do I want in my life? Fun? Loyal? Trustworthy? Motivated people who are going places? People that respect me?  What people do I want to hang around with more?  What people drain my energy and don't support me?

Fun and Recreation – What are some fun things I want to do?

Personal Growth /Learning/New Skills – What new knowledge, skills, experiences do I want to achieve?

Giving Back – Where can I volunteer some time to help others?

Money – How much money do I want to earn or save this year?

Spiritual Life – What is next for you here?

Putting It Into Action

Once you have your written goals, and your plan as to how you are going to achieve them, all that's left is to take that first step, and keep moving.

If you find you are making continuous progress keep doing what you are doing.

If you find you are falling short of where you want to be, consider building a better support team or working with a coach. (Any certified coach should be able to demonstrate their worth in the first call.)    

And if you'd like to explore how coaching with me might help you reach your most important goals, please feel free to send me an EMAIL and we can set up a time to talk. Or simply call my toll free line at  877.212.1922

Good luck,

Steve

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Where will your goals take you?

 

 

 

 

 

You need to overcome the tug of people against you as you reach for high goals.

 

-George S. Patton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All you have to do is know where you're going. The answers will come to you of their own accord.

 

-Earl Nightingale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set your target and keep trying until you reach it.

 

- Napoleon Hill

 

 

 

 

It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.

 

- Eleanor Roosevelt