Sometimes setting goals can be an overwhelming process. Here are ten tips that break down the setting and achieving of one’s goals. Whatever one’s aspirations in life are, they have the best chance for success if they establish goals and work diligently towards realizing them. Unless someone has a clear mental picture of what they hope to achieve, it is too easy to become distracted and detour off the pathway to their hopes and dreams.
Often one might hear individuals lamenting that they procrastinated or simply abandoned their original plans, settling for something less than satisfying. This is not the way life should be.
Whether they aspire to have a high profile career, a fulfilling family life or any other long-term goal, focusing and incorporating the following ten steps might help them to achieve their mission. These ten strategies are also effective for achieving short-term goals in day to day life.
Identify Goals
Goals cannot be achieved before they are realized. People need to raise self-awareness about the things in life that make them feel happy and fulfilled. Then they can establish specific goals in order to attain their hopes and dreams.
Institute a Plan of Action to Attain Goals
Make a list of the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to achieve each specific goal. Study and analyze the list and come up with an effective plan of action.
Prepare for the Achievement of the Goals
Prepare before trying to go after a goal. Are supplies needed? Is more education needed? All these things should be accounted for and taken care of before one tries to go after their goals. Just trying to jump right in may set someone up for failure.
If someone has a goal of making a certain amount of money by the end of the year, they probably need a source of income first. Be prepared.
Set up a Time Frame for the Goals to be Achieved
Be realistic. If the goal is a long-term goal, pick a date far away that the goal is hoped to be achieved by, and then pick markers along the way that can track progress. Even short-term goals should have time frames. If someone has a goal of learning to fly a plane, look at all the steps that need to be taken to achieve that goal, and estimate when each step should be completed. Mark each step on a calendar as a reminder of when each step should be reached to create a bunch of smaller goals that must be accomplished as you work toward the larger overall goal.
Take Small Steps to Get Closer to Reaching the Goal
Take baby steps. Don’t try to finish the whole thing from the get go. Rome wasn’t built in a day. The people who have the most success achieving their goals go at them with caution, perseverance and dedication. Break the goal down into tiny manageable parts. Confidence will be built each time a step is made in the direction of the goal, giving the person the confidence to continue on their journey.
Keep Track of Progress
Keeping a journal to chart progress can be very beneficial. Record both forward strides and setbacks. Use the steps forward for encouragement and use the steps back as learning tools. Analyze the journal entries and see where alterations need to be made in one’s actions towards achieving their goals. Look at every situation as a learning opportunity and something to grow from.
Visualize Success
Use visualization techniques to encourage determination and perseverance. Meditation, visualization and picturing the goal being accomplished can take someone a long way. Thinking about the fulfillment of one’s own goals makes the effort less strenuous. Those trying to achieve goals should use pictures and symbols that represent success to encourage them along the way.
Think Positive and Stick with Positive People
Maintaining a positive attitude as someone goes about trying to achieve a goal can go a long way. A negative attitude is apt to breed failure and discouragement. People trying to work towards something should stick with positive people who encourage them along the way. This will help them push themselves towards their goal. Positivity in others can lead to positivity in one’s own self.
Believe that the Goals are Achievable
If someone doesn’t truly believe that they can reach a specific goal the chances for success are nil. People must have confidence in their own talents and abilities. Metaphorically speaking, when a door closes, look for an open window. Successful individuals seldom take no for an answer.
Never Give Up – Continue to Work Towards the Goals No Matter What
Decide in the beginning that giving up is not an option, do not become discouraged or sway in one’s determination to obtain a desired goal. Develop the positive mindset that failure is not an option. If someone believes it, they can achieve it.