BEYOND GOAL SETTING

 One cannot overemphasize the importance of setting goals if you want to be rich and successful. Those who succeed go beyond merely wishing, hoping and praying to carve out a written list of things they want to have or become. In fact those who have written goals are ninety percent more likely to achieve them than those who don’t.

Now these goals must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic and Time Bound). Take time right now to run your goals through this checklist. Amend your goals accordingly till they conform. This will bring clarity and add drive and energy to their pursuit. For example, “I want to lose weight,” as a goal is not ideal. Instead your goal could be, “I want to weigh fifteen kilos less on the last day of this year.” This is a much better statement of intent.

Many people fail to achieve their goals because they are ignorant of the additional steps needed. They set goals and do nothing about it; expecting to achieve. This will only lead to frustration. In order to achieve your goals you must go beyond goal setting and incorporate the following activities and efforts as part of your routine:

Firstly the road to achievement starts with looking through your written goals at least twice daily. This can be once in the morning and once at night. Take a few minutes out of your day for this process of daily renewal. Don’t be like most people who read through their goals when they set them, and afterward neglect to check it again. Your goals take on a life of their own when you constantly study them.

Secondly get a binder file or folder and write or type out your goals on a separate sheet. Then add pictures that depict what you want to acquire or achieve. Describe what you want in detail and upgrade your goals from being only words to words plus pictures and file them away. This “goals book” replaces the list and should be read daily.

Don’t neglect to use the power of affirmations in the achievement of your goals. Declare your goals over and over again till they become reality. By all means personalize, confess and declare what you desire and in no time your mind aligns with what you say. Affirmations are powerful and should be done each time you go through your goals book.

Unlock the power of your mind by also taking the time to create internally the pictures of what you want to achieve. Using the example of losing weight again you can visualize how you would look with the pounds off, how clothing would better fit and the accolades you will get from your loved ones.

Even though you might not be able to carry your goals book everywhere please endeavor to create soft copies on your phone or tablet so that your goals go everywhere with you. You can even write out your top goals and put them in your wallet or handbag if you don’t have these devices. Make out time to look at your goals whenever you can.

The time for action is now. Ensure that every day you do at least one thing towards the achievement of that goal. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step; likewise the journey to amass wealth or any other worthy pursuit. Break your big goals into smaller parts and commit to taking daily steps towards their accomplishment.

It is also imperative that you find a way to motivate yourself because the road to achievement is littered with pitfalls such as distractions and excuses. A good way to motivate yourself is to give yourself a little reward as you make progress. You could also get a mentor or coach to help you keep going till you reach your target.

The year may have reached an advanced stage but it’s never too late. Start today by implementing these steps and experience uncommon achievement of your goals. Now you can have what you want when you know how to work towards attaining it.