Goal Setting
When it comes to “transforming”, there is one big mistake that I commonly see which could potentially be holding you back from achieving what you want.
First off, let me ask you a question: is there something you currently want, which you don’t currently have?
If so, what is it?
Are you here…. Would you rather be here…?
So now we’ve established that there is something you want and yet don’t have. How do you go about getting it? A proven goal setting system is one excellent way! Do you know how to go about doing this? If not, or if you want to try another way, read on…
Let’s begin by breaking down the steps of successful goal setting. Here’s an example: all the new members of our transformational facility – Imagine if, are taken through a goal setting process in order to get very clear about what it is that they want to achieve. Usually, although not always, the individual will begin the process by saying something to the effect of “I want to lose some weight”. OK, great, at least I know that they want something. But this will not work, because it’s too general, generic and not quantifiable. Therefore something to the effect of “I want to lose 15 lbs” is better, and definitely quantifiable. But better yet, is a goal which is measurable, specific and has a time frame. For example, “I want to lose 15 lbs by December 31st, 2009″, is a goal with a much higher chance of being successful. The chances of the last goal being achieved are much greater than any of the previous, due to the fact that it is measurable, specific and includes a time frame.
Goal Setting
Rule #1
1. Your goal must be quantifiable, specific, and time sensitive.
At this point you should have your goal, it should be specific and it should be within a time constraint. So the next step is to figure out what it will take to achieve your goal.
Are you in need of more information, education, guidance or something else?
How will you go about getting this information? Will you ask family and or friends? Will you “Google” it and search online? This phase of the goal setting process is all about doing the research to figure out the best approach for you to achieve your goal. In doing so you may want to consider this…
Are all sources created equal? I think not. Generally speaking I’ve found that most people will give their “opinion” about any matter, at the drop of a hat. Which is all fine and good…but I’ve always said: if you want to learn about becoming wealthy, you may want to think twice about getting advice from a poor person. Likewise it may not be smart to hire an overweight personal trainer, if you are looking to lose weight and get healthy. Nor would I suggest hiring a life coach whose’ personal life is a disaster. All I’m suggesting is – look at the source of information.
Rule #2
2. Do your research; figure out the best approach to getting exactly what you want, and take the source into consideration.
Now that you’ve done your research and figured out the next logical step toward achieving your goal you should be presented with an investment. Yes an investment! In order for you to get from where you are right now to where you want to be, it is going to require an investment of some sort.
So you’re on your way – you know what you want, you’ve gotten specific about it and you’ve realized that your goal will require an “investment” for you to achieve it.
So what is the investment?
Well, the investment may come in one or more forms. Common examples include:
* Time
* Money
* Energy
* Focus
* Commitment
* Changing of Priorities
* Etc.
I assure you that every goal requires an investment. It may come in the form of one or several from the above list or even something which is not included here. Regardless, if you want to achieve your goal you must be willing to make the investment.
So, what is the investment required for you to reach your goal?
Do you know what it is?
The next question will determine whether or not you will continue with this goal setting process, therefore it is dire that you answer it with complete honesty.
Are you willing to make the investment?
If you are willing to make the investment required to achieve your goal then you should move forward. But If you are not willing make the investment (and this is ok) for this particular goal, then at this point you may want to stop the goal setting process and think about possibly focusing your attention onto another goal or into another area.
Rule #3
3. Figure out the cost of your goal and decide if you are willing or not willing to make the investment.
The next step in the goal setting process is critical to making your goal turn into a reality. The amazing simplicity of this part may be the main reason why many people fail to have success. Ironically many individuals believe that in order for something to work – “it must be hard”.
But, this next step is really easy….
All you have to do is:
1) Write your goal down.
2) Put it in a significant place in your living environment.
3) Review your goal at least every morning upon rising and every evening before going to bed.
For some reason putting your goals down in writing and reviewing them on a daily basis greatly increase the likelihood of actually achieving them. But don’t take my word for it…try it out for yourself.
Rule #4
4) Write and review your goal on a daily basis.
The last step of the goal setting process is a simple one, yet regardless, nothing will be accomplished without it. In order to make use of all the other steps & make your goal become a reality you must take action!
At this point the hard work is already done. You know exactly what you want, you’ve gotten specific about it and you’ve accepted the investment, plus you’ve written it down. So now it’s time to get moving. I have found that most people never achieve anything of measure, not due to a lack of “trying” but because of a lack of doing, direction and focus!
Rule #5
5) Take action.
Now that you’ve taken the time to go through the entire goal setting process, your chance of success has increased by 100%. At this point it is critical that you take that next step.
I wonder….what your next step will look like.