“A goal properly set is halfway reached.”
–Abraham Lincoln
Everyone has dreams; but a dream is not a goal unless you turn that dream into a reality. So what is a goal? A goal is an aim, a clear path, toward a desired result. It is a tangible result to strive for and which you’re willing to commit time and effort to achieve.
Why set goals? They can get you where you want to go.
But goals must be written and internalized to strengthen your commitment towards achieving them.
Here are 10 tips to get you started:
- Set attainable goals. Goals must be practical and set according to what you are able to accomplish. Everyone is different in makeup, mentally, and emotionally. Therefore, do not expect to accomplish something just because someone else does. Take your circumstances into account.
- Don’t set your goals excessively low. When goals are set too low, this is due to fear of failure. Failure can serve as a means of learning. After all, you learn to walk by overcoming the tendency to fall down.
- Set long-term goals first. Those you plan to achieve over a lengthy period of time: in a month, a year, or two years. Long-term goals don’t have to be lifelong goals.
- Divide long-term goals into smaller goals you hope to accomplish within a short period of time: in one day, one week, one month, or six months.
- Set goals according to your values in different categories. For instance: health & fitness, family & relationships, education & training, financial, and career.
- Create a list of goals as you accomplish them.
- Use small rewards to stay motivated. For example, a book, CD, DVD, costume jewelry.
- Set another goal after you reach one.
- Follow the S.M.A.R.T method: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time bond.
- Keep pushing and don’t get discouraged when you fail. (“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb)
Goals empower you to achieve real success!
Want to learn more this career tip?
http://www.myGoals.com –This site has been around since 2000 and offers excellent tips on how to set goals in all areas of life.
http://www.nightingale.com – Click on “Success Tools” and access “Free Mission Statement Builder.” This is an excellent tool to help you create a personal mission statement.
