5 WAYS TO REACH YOUR GOALS
Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution before? If you’re like most people, I am sure you have.
And if you’re like most people, chances are that those resolutions didn’t last for very long.
Researchers found that only 8% of people who make resolutions end up keeping them.
This isn’t because there’s something wrong with you or 92% of the world. It is just that being fully committed to achieving a goal is much more than simply writing the goals down and setting deadlines.
First, you must decide what you want to accomplish. This could be anything from health goals, financial goals, spiritual goals, career goals or relationship goals.
For most, that’s as far as they go. They write down their goals, but do not work the goals. The fact that you set a goal does not ensure it is going to work or you will achieve it, because there are other variables that come into play.
If one does not pay attention to the variables, the inevitable happens. You may start to push deadlines because life starts to happen. You get busy with this, that pops up, weariness sets in, etc… then you end up never completing what you set out for!
So why does this happen? Well, there must obviously be more to achieving your goals than just writing them down.
I am going to break them down in 5 easy steps below:
- Set and write down your goals
In setting your goals, you can use the SMART acronym as a guide to ensure your goal is clear and attainable.
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about it. Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your walls, desk, computer monitor, bathroom mirror or refrigerator as a constant reminder. Speak positive affirmations over your goals every day.
- Work on your goals daily.
Do something daily that will bring you closer to your goal. The key to daily progress is routine. Don’t wait or hope for free time to find you. Set aside the same time every day to work toward your goal.
Put it on your calendar. Don’t leave it to chance. At the end of each work session, write down your action plan for your next session.
- Don’t be afraid to review and reset your goals.
At times things do not work out as planned. From time to time, you need to review, revise and reset your goals. You need to check if your plans are on track and be ready to adjust them if you are off the track.
- Be accountable to someone.
Letting someone else believe in you is one of the most self-empowering things you can do. Be accountable to your best friend, mentor or spouse. You can seek the help of a life coach. It is important that you have someone in your network that knows about your goals and can nudge you if you get weary.
- Celebrate your progress.
Small wins lead to big results when you achieve them consistently. Celebrate your progress, do not take them for granted. Make sure you have a reward system that is enticing enough to motivate you to work hard.
“By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands-your own.”
Mark Victor Hansen.