Goal Setting Article
5 Goal Setting Secrets to Jumpstart Your
Life
by Ed Sykes
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"Plan for the future,
because that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life." |
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- Mark Twain
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Another year
is upon us and you have your list of resolutions or goals you want to accomplish
in the upcoming year. It’s time to plan your goals so that it’s not just
another conversation this year, but a focused plan for success. I will share
with you five goal setting techniques guaranteed to help you achieve more out of
life. Use the goal setting techniques listed below to help you achieve your
targets:
1.
Be SMARTER with your Goals.
Make your goals:
Specific
Motivational
Action-oriented
Relevant to
your situation
Time-bound
Encouraging
Rewarding
For example, “I will increase my sales by 15% compared to
last year.” Be as specific about your goal as possible. “I will start my own
catering business” is a lot stronger than “I want to go into business for
myself.” Challenging goals are motivating. Set goals that will push beyond what
you usually think you can accomplish. Remember to set a deadline. A goal without
a deadline is simply a dream. Attach a realistic yet challenging deadline for
accomplishment and post this where you can review it regularly.
2.
Visualize your goals.
Take 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes just before you go to bed; find a
quiet place; close your eyes and relax, and visualize yourself actually
achieving your goals. Remember the more senses (sight, sound, smell, taste,
etc.) you can involve, the more real your visualization becomes. I ask during
my seminars, “Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real that you woke up in
the middle of it?” Well the reason for that is the subconscious mind is at work
involving all of those senses to trick you into believing the dream is real.
Well, you don’t have to wait; work at visualizing your goals today.
3.
Phrase your goal in the present tense and assume success.
Don't say, “I want to.” Say, “I will.” This subtle technique tells your
subconscious that you have already achieved your goal, which means it will work
at helping the goal become a reality. It will attract the people, places, and
situations you need to achieve that goal.
4.
Put your goals in writing. This simple act helps you clarify your goals and will allow you to
visualize them more effectively. I recommend that you record each goal on a
separate index card and review them twice a day – once in the morning (when you
first wake up) and again before you go to bed. Post index cards where you spend
the most time; on the bathroom mirror, on the frig., on your nightstand, etc.
This process reinforces your goals, acts as a reminder, and drives your goals
deep into your subconscious. In fact, this is one of the most powerful
strategies you can use to achieve your targets.
5.
List the benefits you intend to receive by achieving each goal. This will keep you focused and strong,
particularly when you face the inevitable roadblocks and barriers. In June, when
I chose to lose 20 pounds, I listed 12 benefits, and when I had the urge to put
butter on my veggies or help myself to a second serving of food, I would review
this list to help me get past that craving. I lost the 22 pounds and two inches
around my waistline to date. I think I will go for another 10 pounds. This was
not a diet, just a lifestyle change. The more benefits you can list for your
goals, the more motivating those goals will become.
So my
challenge to you to is to take the time to plan your goals. Start with one goal
and visualize it, write it down, and act on it. As I always say, “If you don’t
invest the time to set goals then someone else will do it for you. And I
guarantee you won’t like their goals.” Invest the time, start today!
Suggested
goal setting, career goals, and success reading:
Adversity: Your Seed of
Greatness (Three Secrets to Using
Adversity to Become Great)
Connect the Dots! Your Roadmap for Success
Every Super Hero Needs Theme Music. What’s Yours?
Five Secrets to Creating a
"Goal" Medal Life
Five Secrets to
Creating a "Goal" Medal Life - Part 2
Take Time to Create a Life Balance Sheet for Success
It’s the Most Wonderful
Gift of the Year
Five Ways to Reduce
Environmental Stress (Part Two)
Set Yourself
Stress-Free
Set Yourself Free
Five Ways to Reduce
Environmental Stress (Part One)
The
Greatest Gift of All - The Gift of Empowerment
10
Action Steps to Motivate Yourself to Great Accomplishments
Ten Techniques for
Motivating Others Through Chaos
Have You Appreciated Someone Today?
Goal Setting Secrets to Jumpstart Your Life
Want to learn how to set
goals to achieve more success in life and career?
Our Achieve Your Dreams Now! Teleclass,
Team Building,
Life After Downsizing,
Time Management Techniques for Success, and
How to
Give Powerful Presentations success and goal setting
programs can help you achieve more success in life. Call us at 757-427-7032 or e-mail
us at info@thesykesgrp.com.
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