Successful Goal SettingDid this sailor know the value of goal setting?
Imagine this scene :
No - I'm sure it didn't happen but, it makes you think - doesn't it? Lots of people don't even have any goals and those who do often have no plan of how to achieve them. But for too many their way of goal setting is vague and lacks commitment. Setting goals like " I want to be rich or successful or slim or .... " mean little.
This sort of goal setting is too generalised to be effective. You Need a Firm Goal And a Flexible PlanWhat sort of people write down their goals and plan how to achieve them?The Successful Ones! Writing down your goals is the essence of true goal setting! It doesn't matter if your goals are personal or financial or social or business related. Goal setting works for individuals, families and companies. Remember - Fail to Plan and You Plan to Fail. It will take you a little time to write your goals and the sub-goals you need to accomplish on your way there. But there is no better way of goal setting! Lack of time is no excuse IF you really want to achieve your objectives. We always have plenty
of time and energy for the things we want to do. Sometimes you have to do something, complete
an action plan, and then you feel motivated. BUT when you're goal setting you MUST have a firm goal and a flexible plan. Remember - any road will do if you don't know where you're going! The advantage of a flexible plan is that you can adjust it whenever it becomes necessary. Just like a navigator who charts his course and then checks constantly to ensure that his direction is still correct. Easy Goal SettingNow write down your goals using the acronym SMART to help you.
Using the above as your "magic" formula write down your goals whether they are personal or business related. Don't forget to also write down your sub-goals i.e. how you are going to achieve your goal - in other words all the stages you must travel through to reach that goal! As part of your goal setting you should also identify any obstacles you may encounter and how you are going to deal with them. Your plan of action should be complete! Another secret of successful people is that they keep their written goals visible and review them daily. You could put them on a yellow stick-it note on your computer, where you'll see them each day. Make a list each morning of what you should accomplish that day. Work on the top priority
until it's finished. Then go on to the second priority. Work your way through the list. Then each Sunday evening or Monday morning review your list. If you haven't managed to do anything for a particular goal, mark it in colored felt-tip and
determine to work on it as soon as possible. Remember to focus on what you want and not on what you don't want... Visualise your ultimate success - write and repeat affirmations to keep your mind positive. Remember the words of Napoleon Hill : " Whatever the mind can conceive and believe - it can achieve" BUT you must never confuse activity with accomplishment! Common Reasons for Failing to Meet Goals
Remember - Fail to Plan and You Plan to Fail!
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