Seven steps to achieving your goals
Adapted from "Goal Setting. Powerful written goals in 7 easy steps" by Gene Donahue
Many of us dream about where we want to go, but we don't have a map on how
we're going to get there. What is a map? In essence, the written word. What
is the difference between a dream and a goal? Once again, the written word.
Goal setting is more than simply scribbling down some ideas on a piece of paper.
Goals need to be complete and focused, much like a road map. Following the 7
steps noted below will make goal setting a breeze!
Step 1
Make sure the goal you are working for is something you really want, not just
something that sounds good.
Step 2
A goal cannot contradict any of your other goals.
Step 3
Develop goals in the 6 areas of life…
- Family & Home
- Social & Cultural
- Spiritual & Ethical
- Physical & Health
- Finance & Career
- Mental & Educational
Step 4
Write your goal in the positive instead of the negative
Step 5
Write your goal out in complete detail
Step 6
Make sure your goal is set high enough
Step 7
Write down your goals and review them frequently
Goals should be…
- Positive
- Precise
- Prioritized
- Written down
Remember….
Every time you make a decision ask yourself "Does this take me closer to or farther away from my goal? If the answer is closer to, then you have made the right decision. If the answer is farther away, then you may want/need to reconsider.
Ten myths and realities of goal setting
| Myth #1 |
Goal setting is not that important. |
| Reality |
Success requires goals - end of story! Success does not happen by accident. |
| Myth #2 |
Goal setting is difficult and takes too much time. |
| Reality |
Performance is accelerated by time invested in preparation and strategy. |
| Myth #3 |
New Years is the best time to set goals. |
| Reality |
There's no better time than now. Goal setting is not about timing, it's
about decision. |
| Myth #4 |
Goals don't need to be written - Keep them in your head. |
| Reality |
Written goals clarify thinking, objectify their potential, and reinforce
commitment. Once out of site, goals soon become out of mind! |
| Myth #5 |
Long-term planning is a waste of time. |
| Reality |
Your future deserves consideration. It will someday be your present reality. |
| Myth #6 |
A good plan is all you need to be successful. |
| Reality |
Success is active, not passive. All plans require action. Preparation is
no substitute for action. |
| Myth #7 |
The best way to acheive a goal is just to begin. |
| Reality |
Action without planning is the root cause of most failure. |
| Myth #8 |
All it takes is hard work to acheive your goals. |
| Reality |
Hard work is important, but working smart is mandatory. |
| Myth #9 |
I can do it on my own. I don't need help. |
| Reality |
Success requires cooperation. Nobody does it alone. |
| Myth #10 |
Goals only need to be reviewed once a year. |
| Reality |
Everything changes. Your goals must keep shaping, shifting and flexing
to fit these fast-changing times. Adopt a regular and consistent review process. |
- Ready to get started? (YES!) Fill out your own Goal Setting Worksheet [VIEW]
"The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with,
but whether it's the same problem you had last year."
- John Foster Dulles
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