A Dream Sheet
Today is the day to start setting YOUR goals. I’ve been setting and achieving goals my entire life and here are some of the best tips I can suggest to help you be successful.
#1. WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS. If there were just one tool that is the most powerful goal achievement gizmo you can have, it is this: A PENCIL! In a word, WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN! A goal that is not written is only a wish. Commit your goals to paper. The very act of writing the goals increases your odds of success by a factor of ten or more.
#2. POST YOUR GOALS. The second most effective tool for goal setting is to post you list of goals somewhere that you can see them. Refer to the list often, and read it to yourself from time to time.
#3. SHARE YOUR GOALS. Talk with others about goals. Bring up the subject in your conversations. As appropriate, tell others about your own goals and share with them what you want to do. This helps commit you. Sharing a goal with someone else makes you accountable and more likely to succeed. “Larry, my goal is to lose 10 pounds in 3 months.” Now that Larry knows, he will be watching you! Its best to share your goals with people who are supportive, but remember that even bold declarations before adversaries will commit you to your goals. So don’t be afraid to open up and throw down the gauntlet! Other people are always your greatest asset because they can mentor and guide you. In fact, posting a list of your goals publicly, like in your family room or in your office at work will enlist the help of others who support you, love you, and want you to succeed! Believe that other people will help you achieve your goals. They are the key that opens the door to your success.
#4. BE SPECIFIC. Make your goals specific and achievable. Your mind works best when instructions are clear. “Lose weight” is a good goal, but “Lose 5 pounds” is a better goal because your mind knows exactly how much weight you want to lose. “Lose 5 pounds in 30 days” is even more specific because it adds the dimension of time. Practice making your goals as specific as you can and you will be amazed at the results.
#5. NEVER BE DISCOURAGED. Discouragement is a disease that can destroy you. Never get discouraged. As it says in Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage.” It is better to set a goal and get half way there than it is to never set a goal and stay where you are. For example, if you are not a reader, you might set a goal to read a book a week for a year. If you fall short and read only one book a month, don’t be discouraged! Look at gain and not at the loss! Much of the reward is in the journey. So always keep on GOALING!
For more tips on goals, read chapter 6 “Advanced Goal Setting” in my book, How to Get Where You’re Goaling.