Set and achieve your goals every time

The top ten steps:

It’s been said that everyone has goals, whether you know it or not. You have goals to keep your current job, or to get a different one. You have goals to save for the future, or to travel, take a holiday, or purchase things you need and want to make your lives more enjoyable. An important distinction, however, is that top achievers are very intentional and focused on their goals, while many of the rest are not.

Top achievers know that the wording, structure, timing and format of a goal can make it’s achievement much easier - or far more difficult.

Top achievers understand the basic skills for setting and reaching their goals, every time! They know how to design goals that create success. Here are the 10 most important steps to set and achieve your goals:

1. Specific

Top achievers know that, to reach their goals, the brain must know exactly and precisely, what they are trying to accomplish. Never word a goal with vague terms like “some” or “a little bit”, or “more”. Be specific! If you want to lose 8 pounds and reach a weight of 175, specify those exact numbers. If you want to save Rs. 20000 this month, be exact. Your brain can help you accomplish almost anything if it knows precisely what you are aiming for.

2. Simple

Many people describe their goals in complex terms of retiring on the beach in Hawaii, with nice cars and lots of money, and.... Their list goes on and on. Any ONE of those things is a great goal, but the combination becomes overwhelming and the brain gets confused.

If you want to retire in Hawaii, just say so! If you want to increase your sales by 10% this month, say so! Keep your goals simple, clear, and focused.

3. Significant

No one can muster the enthusiasm, hard work and courage to reach a goal they don’t really care about. A reachable goal is one you really, really, REALLY want! It’s something that will change your life, enhance your health or wealth, and make you proud. It gets your juices flowing, gets you up in the morning, and keeps you going all day long, because it is important! Set goals that are worth achieving!

4. Strategic

High achievers know that the best goals accomplish many great outcomes, all at one time.

Design your goals to strategically impact as many areas of your life as possible. You’ll have more reasons to reach your goal and more excitement when you do!

5. Measurable

A goal without a measurable outcome is just a pipe-dream. You can’t achieve a pound of “happiness” or 6 inches of “self-esteem”, but you CAN get a new job. You CAN run a mile in under 7 minutes, or do 100 sit-ups. Someone has wisely observed that, “What gets measured, gets done.” Define your goals in terms of height, weight, dollars, inches, or hours. Then measure your progress until you achieve your desired outcome.

6. Rational

To reach your goal, you will need a plan, a path, and a vehicle for getting there. Your goals must make sense! When you explain them to friends and family, your goals should create excitement, draw support, and encouragement. Your goals should be just out of reach, but not out of sight! You want to stretch to be your best, not strain after impossible dreams. Set goals you CAN and WILL achieve!

7. Tangible

Choose goals that you can see, hear, smell or touch. Go for things you will enjoy and that you can clearly visualize. The brain has hard time going for “financial security”, but it can visualize a bank statement with nice, large numbers on it! Define your goals in terms that excite the senses, then go for it with all your heart!

8. Written

High achievers always know precisely what they want, because they’ve written it down. Often, they write a short description of their goals every morning, as a personal reminder of their priorities and their objectives. The act of writing your goals down vastly increases your chance of success. Write it down! Then, keep your notes where you can see and read them every day.

9. Shared

You are far more likely to stick to your plan and reach your goals if you know your friends and family support you. Being part of a team increases your determination, your stamina, and your courage.

Caution: Never share your goals with anyone who may ridicule, tease or discourage you! The world is full of doubters and you have no time for them. But, find a supportive team, a group of cheerleaders, and a coach who will encourage you every step of the way. High achievers count on and work with other winners!

10. Consistent with your values

One of the biggest reasons people fail to achieve their goals is that they have conflict between their behaviour and values. However, when your values and your goals are in agreement, nothing will stop you! Clarify your values first, then set simple, specific, measurable, tangible, written goals that are consistent with those values. You will achieve them, everytime!

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