Resolutions are for Amateurs
January 15, 2011 Leave a Comment
That’s right! You can make resolutions all day long to lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, get organized, get more clients….and the list goes on! We all know resolutions don’t work, yet we make ‘em every year.
Well, not me! I stopped making resolutions many, many moons ago! The biggest reason resolutions don’t work is that we don’t make a plan to execute them. Resolutions are all talk; no action!
Goal setting and execution are the missing ingredients! In order for your goals to be successful, you need to take several steps. Identifying specific, realistic goals followed up with a viable plan will create success and achievement. When setting goals, be mindful to ask yourself if the goal is yours (not someone else’s), is it ethical, are your short-range goals consistent with your long range goals, can you commit yourself emotionally/physically to completing the goal, and lastly can you visualize yourself reaching your goal. Here’s my 10-Step Formula!
10-Step Formula for Setting and Achieving Goals
Identify Your Goals:
First you will need to identify what your goals are. Goals should be realistic and specific to you. Your success will be relative to how clear your goals are. Here are some areas to consider when identifying your goals.
Personal Goals
House: Style, size, amenities, location? Vehicle: Kind, color, options?
Work/Career Goals
What do you want your salary to be? Where do you want to take your business?
Social Goals
Community involvement? Helping others?
Hobby/Vacation Goals
What do you have fun doing? Where would you like to go on vacation?
Financial Goals
Savings? Investments? Financially free? Retirement?
Physical Goals
Diet? Exercise? Fitness?
Family Goals
Kids’ education? Activities? Quality time?
Education/Personal Development Goals
More knowledge? Self improvement?
Spiritual Goals
Church involvement? Religious study?
Identify “Your Why”:
Know why you want to achieve the goal. Write down your reasons as you will refer back to them often during this process. If you don’t know why, then the goal probably isn’t that important.
Write Down Your Goals:
Writing down your goals makes them real and solidifies them from the back to the forefront of your mind. It transforms them from a wish into something tangible you can see and touch every day. Written goals combined with daily action will unlock your true potential.
Set Deadlines:
Your subconscious mind will respond very well to clear specific deadlines. Setting a deadline deepens and intensifies your desire to achieve a specific goal. It also increases your belief that you can accomplish your goal. Break bigger goals in smaller, more attainable goals. As you begin to meet your deadlines, it will raise your motivation levels. Don’t stress if you miss a deadline, just set another one!
Identify Major Obstacles:
Identify the obstacles that stand between you and your goal. Make a list of everything that could be blocking you. It could very well be that the answer lies within if you find yourself not achieving your goal. What is going on in your life that is holding you back? Challenge yourself to remove the obstacle or change direction as it will empower you to succeed.
Identify Knowledge, Skills and People:
Determine what knowledge or skills are needed to help you achieve your goals. Find the resources to assist you. There will always be something that you lack that could hold you back. Keep looking for new ideas and strategies. For the most part, you will be able to achieve your goals by yourself. However, sometimes it will take others to help you achieve the bigger goals. Surround yourself with upbeat, encouraging people in your life (friends, family, coworkers, and colleagues). Gain their support and be sure to give them a reason to help you that will benefit them.
Develop an Action Plan:
Make a list in detail of what needs to be accomplished for you to achieve your goal based on the first 6 steps. As you think of more items, add them to your plan. Keep working until your plan is complete. This will undoubtedly take some time but once complete you will have created a powerful springboard for your own success.
Take Action on Your Plan:
Consistent action is critical for the success of your plan. It’s vital to do something every day that brings you closer to your goal.
Visualize Your Goals:
Vividly imagine your goals as accomplished. Imagine what your life would be like. This is powerful because it creates a sense of confidence.
Never Quit-Never Give Up:
Refuse to give up on your goal! Most people who write down their goals
