|
4/27/2009
Andrew Kotulak
Take Specific Steps to reach your goals
Part 1 of 3: Plan Your Strategy
Once you define your purpose or "why", It's time to chart a course for your success. This 3 part
series is design to help you do that.
Goals are specific milestones you have determined to reach within a certain time frame. Without
goals, you have no plan. Without a plan you are leaving your life to circumstances.
Setting and reaching goals seems like an intellectual thing to do. It's what smart people do,
right?. But really, reaching a goal that you set is more emotional. There comes a tremendous sense
of satisfaction and confidence when goals are met.
Planning Your Strategy
Begin by defining objectives. Set aside some time each day to
contemplate a handful of the most important achievements you could make. Here's a
tip: THINK BIG. Remember your purpose from week 1. Force your mind
beyond its normal boundaries.
Now, Choose 6 that are important to you.
For Example:
- Lose Weight
- Go on Vacation
- Start a business
- Buy a new House
- Save a million dollars
- Spend more time with my children
Now, on a note card, write down each objective as a goal by phrasing it as a statement with the
date by which you want to attain it. "Beginning January 1, I will save 5% of my income
each month for college savings, for a total of $25,000" Being specific and realistic is the
key.
Lets say your goal is to lose weight.
What does that really mean?
Start by asking these questions.
- How much weight do you want to lose?
- By when?
- How much do you want to weigh?
- and most importantly - What will that do for you?
So lets say then you want to lose 50 lbs. You weigh 190 lbs now. which means you want to get to
140 lbs. This is October, you want to lose the weight by March for the beach trip you have
planned. Begin your goal like this:
"By March 20xx, I will look great on the
beach by weighing my ideal weight of 140lbs by exercising, changing my diet and
losing 50lbs."
This goal includes each element above, part of a
proven goal setting formula we will discuss in next
weeks newsletter.
If you set a goal that is seemingly impossible, you may never achieve that goal and
eventually give up because you feel like a failure. To make this goal more achievable, break it
down into action steps. These aren't really goals, more of a to-do list, but still provides
the same sense of emotional satisfaction when completed.
- By October 10, 20xx, I will secure the funds to join the local gym and set aside the time
required to go.
- By November I will research the best weight loss system to determine which on is best
for me
- I will lose 10 lbs in October , 5lbs in November...etc
When you break down the main goal into smaller goals, it is more manageable. The emotion of
achieving the goal is still tied in to your ultimate objective, keeping you on track and not
discouraged.
Staying On Track
Reinforce your belief by carrying the cards with and referring to them throughout the day. I
have heard story after story from successful people that carried goal cards in their top pockets
and even their bra. They looked at these cards every chance they got.
Cultivate the right attitude with affirmations. Affirmations put in your mind that you have
already achieved the goal. Repeat them 20-100 times a day. For Example: " I am a
successful entrepreneur that provides for my family and my community by earning a multiple
six-figure income each year."
Before you know it, an outrageous goal will seem within the realm of achievement. Opportunities
will become clear, talents will surface, ideas you never thought of will appear as you condition
your mind and thoughts to focus on the achievement of your goals.
NEXT WEEK:
Setting Goals For Yourself Part II: Goal Setting Formula for Success
Andrew Kotulak is a contributing editor to Setting Goals For Yourself Part
I in Unlimited Success Online' s Success Strategies newsletter. Andrew has 15 years
experience in manufacturing management in which time he has traveled far and wide improving
processes and managing teams. Andrew has recently turned his attention to the internet, operating
multiple websites providing resources for leadership, career and business success.
|
