Friday, June 29, 2012

5 Steps in Setting Goals

Having a goal is essential in Life. It is like visualizing an accomplishment long before it happens, or basking in the joy of its fulfilment, way before you start. It is something to strive for - something to make life worthwhile. A person without a goal is like a map without a destination - it is pointless.

No one can dictate to you what your goals should be, but no one can fulfill them also but you and you alone. In short - your destiny is the product of your own work. Make yours admirable and worth emulating by setting goals that make you not just a rich person, but a better person.

Here are the basic steps one must make in order to set your S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based) goals.

Decide on what you want to accomplish. The first step when setting a goal is having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish/achieve. Your goal may be for your own benefit, but it will also be more meaningful if it will benefit others as well. Think of what you really want, and write it down. Make it as detailed as you want, and clearly state what good you will get out of fulfilling it. This makes the entire journey more easy, because you are driven by the reward you will get at the end.

Visualize yourself accomplishing the goal. When you visualize yourself enjoying the fruits of your own labour, you set your mind up for success. Your perception and attitude determine the end results. When you believe you can, YOU WILL. Sadly, when you believe you can't, then you WON'T. Imagine the end result because it is the ultimate encouragement for you to go on.

Develop an action plan. It's virtually impossible to go lingering aimlessly and expect to get where you want. Remember - a goal is time-based. Meaning, there is a deadline, and a time when it must be accomplished in order for it to be effective. Developing a plan of action encourages the smooth carrying out of a plan or accomplishment of a goal. Be specific, and be reasonable with your action plan. No sense in being too ambitious because a plan which seems too hard to accomplish usually ends up just that -unfulfilled. Be realistic. Align your plan with your personal strengths and capacities.

Take daily action towards a goal. A goal remains a goal unless you work towards achieving it. A goal is just a 4-letter word until you decide to tackle it head-on and work towards fulfilling it. Every little step you take towards you goal is an achievement. If you feel your ultimate goal is too hard to reach, then break down your goals into small parts and work on the achievement of each part. Celebrate each small victory. After a while, when you look back, you will be surprised with the amount of progress you've made, and how close you are to the total fulfillment of the goal. Remember that every baby steps count. It certainly is better than doing nothing at all.

Determine a deadline for accomplishment. A goal will linger on forever if you do not set a deadline. Have a clear time period for your goal. This puts a bit of pressure on the goal-setter to achieve the goal as early as he can. Make the habit of fulfilling the goal on or before the deadline - this will help you gain the discipline and perseverance needed for all the other goals you intend to accomplish in life. After one goal is done, set another - this will add meaning, purpose and spice to your life.


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Michael Griffiths is the CEO and Founder of Secrets Of A Super Life, providing individuals with personal development strategies to increase their purpose, passion, happiness and life fulfilment. For your free life success pack please visit http://www.mysuperlifetoday.com


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