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Setting Goals

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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, and written down. Every time you make a decision ask yourself "Does this take me closer to or farther away from my goal?

 

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.

"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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