Goal Setting 101 - here we go again!

Here it is, yet another article on goals. Not that you haven’t heard it all before, but who knows, maybe THIS time it will be different. Maybe THIS time, something will click and you’ll do what you need to do to accomplish your dreams and goals. Maybe? Well, if nothing else, this article is a good reminder for me!

A goal is a dream with a deadline. Goal setting is simply the most important thing that you can do for yourself. It helps you figure out the direction you want to go, becoming a “meaningful specific” instead of a “wandering generality” (from a great Zig Ziglar quote.) Make sure you write your goals in the present tense, as if they are happening now (Use the phrase: “I am teaching people to harness the power of the internet and technology to make a residual income from home” instead of “I want to teach people to harness the power of the internet and technology to make a residual income from home.”)

To make them the most effective, your goals need to be written down. After all, a goal that is not written down is nothing more than a wish. The thing is, writing down your goals makes it a commitment. It seals it into your brain and helps your subconscious mind start getting to work on helping you accomplish whatever it is you are setting out to do.

We set goals because we have a gap between where we are and where we want to be. We find something of significance and we begin the process of achievement. Your goals must be S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight.” There is nothing specific about that.

Let’s take a weight loss goal and make it S.M.A.R.T.

Specific: I want to lose 20 pounds.
Measurable: I can get on the scale and see how I’m doing.
Achievable: Sure, with the correct amount of diet and exercise, it should be achievable.
Realistic: Yes, 20 pounds is a healthy amount of weight to lose with my build.
Timely: Losing 20 pounds by December 15th (Just in time for the holidays!)

So now I have a goal that is S.M.A.R.T. What goals do you have that you can put through this process? Take the time and write them down. You’ll be glad you did!

Have your goals in a place where you can look at them every day. I have found that writing them in lipstick on the bathroom mirror works well. (It’s a little bit of a pain to get off of the mirror, but a good glass cleaner generally works well!) A vision board also helps your subconscious mind to start to figure out ways that you can accomplish all of the things that you are looking at on your vision board every day. Another tip is to find someone to be accountable to with your goals. If you share your weight loss goal with a supportive friend, they can gently remind you to “Put down the donut, step away from donut!” They will also be there to celebrate your success with you once you’ve achieved it. (Hopefully NOT with a donut!)

Don’t procrastinate. Take your dreams off the shelf and dust them off. Focus on your goals the S.M.A.R.T. way and you WILL achieve them!