Goals

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

-Aristotle

If you like your life and want to tweak it a little, goal setting is essential. If your life is due for sweeping changes, then goals setting is essential.

Goals are the foundation of personal growth. They represent the journey and the destination. In soccer or hockey you get it into the net and it is a goal. It is both the process of playing the game and the object to winning the game.

Without goals you can live a nice life. But good luck. Better hope the wind of fate just happen to blow you toward a sheltered port in the inevitable storm. Still, you have to ask yourself , why bob on the water aimlessly when you can trim the sails and set a course that’s direct and true.

I’m always amazed at the number people I meet who tell me they have never had a goal in their life. Never once set a goal. I get excited about introducing them to the concept, because I know that with goal, they can make huge strides in their lives.

With goals, every sunrise can mark a new beginning. The only question is when to start? Well, you already have started. Earlier you jotted down a couple of paragraphs detailing your ideal life. Why not create goals that get you there? So now let’s devise a series of steps that will help take you to your ideal life. Each step is a goal.

Let’s pause for a second. You may be one of those folks whose eyes glaze over about now. Self-help books are always hyping goals aren’t they? You may not like the added structure in your life. Too much pressure. You want to live free and easy.

All we can say is please stay with us. We’re not going to hold your feet to the fire by forcing you commit to an enormous goal you’ll never reach. It’s a process. We take it one step at a time. Remember, you are setting you own goals. This is a game you can win.

Let’s start by getting your feet wet with a small goal. It’s stunning how easy and satisfying it can be. The following goal is one that’s beneficial even if you’ve been a goal setter your entire life.

Exercise:

Your goal today is to call, talk or write to any one person who has recently, or ever assisted you in any way. Your goal is to let them know how much you appreciate their help, advice, compliment, present, or dead. Your time frame is by the end of the day today.

Take out a piece of paper or your Your Personal Journey notes and write your goals. I am calling “so and so” to express my appreciation by the end of today. When you’ve accomplished your goal, please feel free to put a bug check mark across the goal. You’ve done it. Mission Accomplished. Notice how empowered you feel. Notice the touching reaction you probably got from the person you contacted? Win win.

How does an ant eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How does a person totally transform their life? By achieving one small goal after another. You have now taken a step toward success. With every goal achieved you gain that much more power and momentum. The key is to keep stretching further with each new goal.

Choose a goal wisely. It should be a part of an overall plan. It should reflect your heartfelt passion and your vision for the future. If you’re not sure what you want out of life, then it’s time to take inventory.

Lets talk about the proper way to set goals.

1. Short Term Goals of the day, one week or one month, should be pretty straightforward. It should be probable that they can be achieved within the time-frame you set.
2. Medium Term Goals, anywhere from ninety days to six months, require a little stretching. Approach the upper limits of your zone, bordering on your failure zone.
3. Long Term Goal of a year or more are set to challenge your current belief system. These goals should scare you. You’ll have no idea how to accomplish the goal.

When a young bird is pushed from the nest for the first time, it has no idea how to fly. But with the ground rushing up, the bird starts furiously flapping it’s wings and a little miracle happens. Once you get off the ground and attain a long-term goal. Immediately set another long-term goal. Your new view of the horizon will look a whole lot different.

4. Goals are measurable and specific. They must have completion date. If your goal is to buy a new car for instance, your goal would include the make and model, options, even the color inside and out. Test drive the car and perhaps even snap a picture of yourself behind the wheel. Know exactly what it will cost and tell the sales person the date you will be back to take possession.
5. Write goals in the present tense as if it is actually happening at the time of your writing. For example, here is a five-year goal for a 28 year-old single man: I am moving into a modern, three bedroom home I just purchase with my gorgeous, loving wife. The big yard is a great place for our two young children to play.
6. Work toward your goal until the last minute of the last hour of your deadline. This is of utmost importance. It is not uncommon for a series of goals enabling events to fall into place at the very last possible minute. Even if it appears all hope is lost, never give up.
7. Time has run out. Once in awhile it happens. You didn’t accomplish your goal. A little disappointment is natural, but always remember, striving for a goal is every bit as important as it ultimate achievement. Review your steps. Determine what could have been done differently to assist in setting your next goal. Don’t be discouraged. Acknowledge the progress and congratulate yourself for the effort you put forth. You can’t win them all.
8. Don’t force it. It is mistake to “try too hard.’ Relax , concentrate and focus on the process of achieving your goal. Be aware of the desired result but do not obsess on the outcome. Perform the necessary steps with confidence and faith in your pursuit of the goal. Literally see the goal achieved as if it was destined. But remove yourself slightly from the end result. Excessive emotional attachment to results can actually undercut progress toward achievement.

Exercise: Journal Code: GOL

Set your term, medium term and long term goals. Write them out on your Your Personal Journey goal cards. Keep them with you. Write about them in your journal. Refer to them at least once every morning and before bedtime.

Think Big. By setting a goal with a grand purpose, or an inspired or lofty achievement, your mind is forced to race beyond it normal boundaries.