Tuesday 13 December, 2011
How many times have you made a goal and failed to achieve
it? Many people view a new year as a fresh beginning, filled with hope
and optimism that this is the year they will achieve their goals. But so
many fail to reach their objectives. In order to achieve our goals, a
more integrated approach to goal setting and building foundations needs
to be undertaken.
While
most people start thinking about their goals for the upcoming year in
December, not many plan how they will achieve them. People start the
year with a lot of enthusiasm and then life gets in the way and
distracts from what they are trying to achieve.
- The first step
Imagine yourself at the end of next year, feeling happy, satisfied and energised; you have had a really great year. Then ask yourself "what has happened in my life this year that has contributed to how I am feeling right now?" Then, using present tense, describe the year as if it has already happened, envisioning what the year looked like and what you did, describing it as though it has already happened. Or if you prefer, draw a picture. Make sure to add details about what you did, where you did it, who was involved and the feelings you had while doing it.
Motivation
The next part of the process is to ask yourself; if you had all of that, what would it mean to you? Without reflecting on this, it may just be hollow words. Once you have done this you will find your actions and purpose will align with your values - what is important to you.
- Step two
Bring yourself back to the present moment and look over what you have written. You will notice there are different sections of your life you have written, or drawn, about, whether this is in the workplace, relationships, health, community or personal satisfaction. Select one area you want to focus on.
Now, without thinking too deeply into it, ask yourself "What do I need to be to be able to achieve this"? It may be that you need to be more assertive, generous or open. Trust the words that come to you first.
After that, figure out what you need to do to be able to achieve the goals, whether this be to take a course, leave the office no later than 6pm or set reminders in your calendar. Write these down.
Obstacles are a part of life
Most people will start off brimming with enthusiasm in relation to their goals, but it's important to be realistic and aware of potential obstacles.
Write down any potential obstacles - and be honest with yourself. Some examples are excuses you may have "I'm too busy" or you may be fearful of something. Then, next to each potential obstacle identify "if this happens, how will I handle it in the moment"? Plan how you will move forward, going beyond the obstacles.
To be able to beat any obstacles that may come your way, you also need to let go of any self-defeating or limiting beliefs and any unsupportive habits you have. What are they? Try to identify these beliefs when they arise as thoughts, and mentally let them go. This is one of the most important steps in this process. Believe in yourself and that you can achieve your goals.
Remember you are not alone in this; list all of the resources you have to support you. This may be a system, friends, colleagues, a coach, manager or counsellor. Be clear now on who you can rely on for solid advice or encouragement. Tell them what you are doing, and enlist their support.
- The final step
Identify three things you can concentrate on in the next few weeks to start your journey towards reaching your goals. They don't have to be extreme changes to your lifestyle or routine, but small steps that will eventually lead to the change you are striving for. For example, if you want greater fitness, start by walking 30 minutes three times a week. What other small steps can you take?
Applying this process is similar to a child's mobile hanging over a cot. If you move one piece, the rest will move. It is the same with reaching your goals. If you start by focusing on one area you will find that changes will happen in other areas of your life, leading you down the path to success.
Sharing your vision with someone else who will support you, and communicating with them regularly, whether this be for support, advice or encouragement, will help to keep your vision alive. You never know, you may also inspire that person to discover what they would like to change in their own life.
Source:ceoonline.com
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