"...The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or ever get seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them..."
...Denis Watley...
Congratulations...You are what you are thinking about right now and you absolutely right! It’s not December or January anymore, so why bother about setting goals for the next 12 months?
Regardless, we will all fall into two success categories: the haves and have nots. Another translation: In today’s trying economic times, those who have jobs and those who have no jobs. Another one: those whose business makes a profit and those who do not. Maybe you were either one of those who followed all the laws and rules, only to see true success appear like an imaginary finish line (the have nots). Conversely, other people seem to always succeed with little to no effort at all (the haves). Do you really think and believe you have what it takes to be like them (the haves)? There are countless success stories and if you really investigated the reasons, you will surely and likely uncover goals as the main thrust for success. It’s a matter of choice---choose to do something different from average people in order to achieve success in your life. But there is hope---all success begins with a series of small steps. And it all begins with setting your goals.
What are goals anyway? Goals are simply your visions and dreams about you and your future---but loaded with deadlines and an action plan attached. There are many definitions on goals floating around out there. Many books describe goals as something achievable and realistic. Still, there are self proclaimed gurus who preach about goals as written activities that just about anyone can use to monitor their progress. Truly, more is involved in just merely thinking about and setting goals. To really achieve your goals, you must first get started on your goals. Otherwise, you’ll never get started and you’ll end up as a have-not. Use the following acronym “S-T-A-R-T” to help you set achievable goals:
1. The “S” in S-T-A-R-T means to keep your goal Simple and straightforward. Next, write and target your goals and complement your skills by setting objectives and setting up activities that will help you meet your goals. At this point, don’t sweat it and never mind if the goal looks incorrect or embarrassing. How do you know if your goals are right for you? Well, let’s put it this way: the only wrong goal is the goal which isn’t written!
2. The “T” in S-T-A-R-T means Think about your written goals constantly, day and night. Why is thinking so important? We become what our most dominate thought are. Write your goals down, look at them, turn them upside down, and take calculated risks and action steps towards meeting your goals. Strategic thinking is very important because this will allow you to be more productive and focus on the activities according to your goals.
3. The “A” in S-T-A-R-T means Action you must take to achieve your goals. Proper mind setting is very important in achieving your goals. Go the extra mile, turn your thinking now into “doing”. What actions? Actions are stepping stones towards learning and doing new things and challenges that will help you in the long run. So stretch and step out of your comfort zone.
4. The “R” in S-T-A-R-T means Remind and Reward yourself at every opportunity that you are a success and your actions will lead to the accomplishment. Just how do you remind and reward yourself ? There are lots of ways to “paint” a visual reminder of your goal. Always read and recite your goals in private, in front of a mirror, to solidify the process. Reward yourself with little things like “happy thoughts” or even treat yourself so your motivation is always on top.
5. The “T” in START means Total being. You must have your whole heart, mind, and soul into your goals. Even if it means to start from scratch or over and over again. It is total persistence and consistency, no matter what the circumstances and what people say about you.
Alternatively, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Timothy Ferris writes in The 4-Hour Work Weekthat it’s your time to think big. He prefers “dreamlining”. Ultimately, “...the goals shift from ambiguous wants to defined steps,” says Ferriss. For a free, sneek preview of this bestselling book, simply go to the link on this page.
Remember that goal setting is all about you. “Start” and focus, minimize or avoid distractions. Work with the mindset of a champion for a clearer vision of you achieving those valuable goals. See yourself achieving and make things happen by planning and doing things related to your goals. You will then realize that goals, no matter how difficult they may appear, are still valuable to consider. Once your goals are achieved, sweet success knocks on your door commending you for a job well done!