How To Set GoalsDo you know that only 3% of people in our society know how to set goals? But do you also know that 3% accomplishes more than the other 97% combined! That drives the point home doesn't it? It's obvious...If you want to be successful you've got to learn how to set goals and focus your life in pursuit of those goals. We each have a number of different roles in our lives - different areas of responsibility. I may have a role as a husband, father, counselor, and businessman. Each of these roles is important (we should learn how to set goals in each area of our lives). But remembering the "big picture" is also an important part of how to set goals. One of the problems that comes up when people work to become more effective in life is that they don't think broadly enough. They lose the sense of balance between their roles. For example, they may get consumed by work and neglect personal health. Or for the sake of success, they may sacrifice the most precious relationships in their lives. Many of us forget that work is a means to an end, not the end in itself. Learning how to set goals can be very helpful in avoiding these pitfalls. Begin by identifing your various roles and list them in order of importance. Think about your values and how they apply to your roles. Always let your values guide you. Now write in one clear and concise sentence what your overall objective is. In business, this is usually referred to as a "Mission Statement" - in personal life it's your "WHY" (as the great John DiLemme would say). Now write down which roles take priority in achieving your mission. Think about what you want to accomplish within each role. Think of your personal, as well as professional roles. What is important to you? Writing your mission in terms of your most important roles (using your values) gives you balance and harmony. It keeps each role clear. It also allows you to review them frequently so you can make sure you don't get totally absorbed by one role to the exclusion of others that are equally important. How to set goals... Next is to set more specific goals that will put you on the path towards your "WHY." If your goals are a proper extension of your WHY, they will be in harmony with your values, and you will have the ability to achieve them. They are YOUR goals. They are not goals imposed through the "datasphere" or from other people. They reflect YOUR values, YOUR talents, YOUR mission, and they come out of YOUR chosen roles in life. An effective goal focuses primarily on results rather than activity. But it's still important to enjoy the process. The specific ways you get things done change over time, as you learn more. But your goals remain the same. If you're constantly looking for the end result without consideration of the process you'll become inpatient and stressed. Then you'll feel less enthusiastic about setting goals in the future. An effective goal identifies where you want to be. It gives you important information on how to get there, and it tells you when you have arrived. It unifies your efforts and energy. It gives meaning and purpose to your life. It allows you to be proactive and take charge of your life. You WILL make things happen each day. You WILL be more organized, as well as more productive. When figuring out how to set goals keep in mind that they have to be achievable. By setting a goal that is too high, you'll often end up frustrated, stressed, and hopeless. In contrast, repeated victories will result in higher self-esteem and more confidence in setting higher goals, which result in greater productivity. Your energy level will remain high and you'll feel content. There will be times when the process is boring. At these times, it's vital that you have a strong commitment to the goal. Some people call this leverage. For example, if you have a goal to make an extra $20,000 this year to pay for your child's heart surgery, I bet you'll find a way to make it happen. You've got the leverage - you have a big enough WHY. Only with an exceptional commitment will you be able to take undesirable action to achieve what you want. Approaching something with the end in mind allows you to keep your values and direction clear. There is less possibility of getting side-tracked or being reactive to momentary pressures. Always finish what you start. Being committed to your goal from the beginning will help you to complete the process. On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile. Prior to that, virtually every expert in the field said that it was impossible. They were convinced that this feat was beyond the physical capability of the human body. Bannister didn't hear them. He had his own thoughts on the subject. The year after Bannister shocked the experts, 37 other runners broke the four-minute mile. The year after that, 300 runners did it. Harvey Mackay, in his book Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive, elaborates on Mr. Bannister's accomplishments:
You must want your goal more than anything and work every day towards accomplishing your goal. (Even if you have no time during the day to take action towards your goal, you can take a few minutes to visualize it. Constantly visualizing yourself accomplishing your goal is a powerful way to help achieve it.) When you're ready come back and read more... Articles on How to Set GoalsThe Incredible Power Of Focus by Bill HarrisIt's a well known FACT that whatever you focus on consistently will manifest itself as reality in your life. Learn how to set goals through the power of manifesting. How to Customize How-To and Self-Help Info To Work For You by Bob Scheinfeld Not every success strategy will work for you. You must find and use only those that fit well in your life. Taking Over by Bryan Hall Be careful that you don't unwittingly manifest negative experiences in your life - what you think about your future will determine your future. How to Turn Dreams into Achievable Goals by Andrew Wood Andrew Wood gives you a concrete way to clarify your desires and an outline of how to set goals so that you can be successful. How To Bore Your Way To Success by Gary Vurnum Unless you constantly search for clues to success you'll never find success. Develop a passion for education in your field and you will undoubtedly be successful. Finding Your True Calling by Brian Tracy Are you doing what you were meant to do? Find out how to set goals that are right for you. Is it time to make a change for the better? The GAP by Bill Harris To be successful you must focus on your progress in relation to where you started out, not in relation to your ideal destination. This keeps you motivated and determined to continue achieving your goals. I Can Do That by Mike Brescia With just a few simple words you can start yourself down the path to success and start achieving your goals. Taking Personal Responsibility by Brian Tracy In order to be successful you must accept the fact that you have complete and total responsibilty for everything that happens in your life. If you don't take responsibility for your life, learning how to set goals won't make a bit of difference. Acheiving Your Dreams by Jim Rohn Listen as Jim Rohn tells you how to turn your dreams into reality. Know Where You're Going by Mike Brescia The most important thing when learning how to set goals is to clearly see what you're after. Put your inner desires into achievable goals; take action on those goals and you will be successful. The Top Ten Ways to Stay Focused on Your Objectives by Michael Angier Learn some great ways to stay focused and accomplish your goals. Success Through Goal Setting by Brian Tracy The ability to set goals and make plans for their accomplishment is the "master skill" of success. Brian Tracy teaches you how to perfect this skill so that you can be successful.
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