It's been said that everyone has goals, whether we know it or not. We have goals to keep our current job, or to get a different one. We have goals to save for the future, or to travel, take a vacation, or purchase the things we need and want to make our lives more enjoyable. An important distinction, however, is that top achievers are very intentional and focused on their goals, while many of the rest of us 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. Reachable goals are SPECIFIC. Top achievers know that to reach their goals, the brain must know exactly, 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 $200 this month, be exact. Your brain can help you accomplish almost anything if it knows precisely what you are aiming for.
2. Reachable goals are 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 over whelming 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. Reachable goals are 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. Reachable goals are STRATEGIC. High achievers know that the best goals accomplish many great outcomes, all at one time. Running a 10K race will almost certainly: 1) feel great! 2) help you lose weight. 3) lower your cholesterol level 4) strengthen your heart 5) lower you risk of heart disease 6) increase your energy and stamina, and 7) improve your outlook. 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. Reachable goals are 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. Reachable goals are 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. Reachable goals are 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. Reachable goals are 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 single 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. Reachable goals are SHARED. We are far more likely to stick to our plan and reach our goals if we know our friends and family support us. Being part of a team increases our determination, our stamina, and our 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 support 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. Reachable goals are CONSISTENT WITH YOUR VALUES. One of the biggest reasons people fail to achieve their goals is that they have conflict between their behavior and their values. However, when your values and your goals are in agreement, there is no stopping you! Clarify your values first, then set simple, specific, measurable, tangible, written goals that are consistent with those values. You will achieve them, every single time!
© Copyright 2003 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: "Written by Dr. Philip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. Dr. Humbert has over 300 free articles, tools and resources for your success, including a great newsletter! It's all on his website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Someone has said that the greatest cause of ulcers is... Read More
What do you want to achieve?Before you actually set up,... Read More
It is natural to be satisfied with the way things... Read More
I have a confession to make. Once upon a time,... Read More
The title of this article sounds simplistic but it is... Read More
Over time I have come to realize that the three... Read More
In fact, this very type font I am using is... Read More
Everything is in flow here in Northern Michigan. Buckets of... Read More
1. Your first ultimate start must include written goals and... Read More
I remember the time that I swore to myself that... Read More
"Inspiration does not beget action. Action begets inspiration." - Chinese... Read More
Whatever you want in life, you have far more chance... Read More
Today I want to discuss the missing link in goal... Read More
Too many times we are distracted from our main goal... Read More
In a nutshell... YES!I've given a lot of thought recently... Read More
What is your reason for setting a goal?This is the... Read More
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes... Read More
As you begin your new home business you will find... Read More
The fear of speaking in public ranks right up there... Read More
You may or may not have a set of written... Read More
It seems as though so many people are seeking more,... Read More
People who want to achieve success in their lives and... Read More
It is important to have goals because they are good... Read More
Surprisingly few people regularly make lists of their goals and... Read More
Nothing gets done unless an action is completed. Everything we... Read More
Everyone ? particularly business coaches like me - talks about... Read More
Many people envy academics who take sabbaticals. What they don't... Read More
In Part 1 I started the discussion on what to... Read More
Have you ever noticed? There are some people who seem... Read More
There's been a lot written about goal setting and there... Read More
Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who... Read More
Perhaps you have never taken a stock of the most... Read More
The amazing thing about the future is that if you... Read More
In a nutshell... YES!I've given a lot of thought recently... Read More
We all have dreams and goals. Some of them are... Read More
Why is it that some goals have a fire and... Read More
Weve all read about personal goal setting. Weve all tried... Read More
What is the right thing I need to do to... Read More
What is your reason for setting a goal?This is the... Read More
"Most of the important things in the world have been... Read More
Years back when I was formulating my plans for life,... Read More
I wonder if anyone really reads long stuff from Ezines... Read More
Watching the Olympics last week really amazed me. The feats... Read More
Are you ready to learn how to finally turn your... Read More
What do you want to achieve?Before you actually set up,... Read More
Everybody has a dream. A fantasy, if you like. Usually... Read More
Most of us have goals.Big ones, small ones. But not... Read More
Neil Armstrong made his first moon walk on July 20,... Read More
A Mission Statement consists of a short phrase or a... Read More
Let's face it. Overcoming procrastination can be a challenge if... Read More
Most people measure us by our accomplishments -- what we've... Read More
Much has been written about writing down goals and regularly... Read More
It happens a lot 'round about now. One by one... Read More
We've just gone from "the Holiday Season" to the "Goal... Read More
Where Does Money Fit In the Goal Setting Process?Some view... Read More
Several articles and newsletters with the message that New Year's... Read More
I believe innately we all do our best. We work... Read More
Scenario: You have taken care of the house, the kids,... Read More
In my earlier article "Setting Financial Goals ? Part 1"... Read More
Most marathons provide more than their fair share of heroes... Read More
Is your life on purpose? Does just the question stop... Read More
"If you keep on doing what you have always done,... Read More
Every time you get in your car to go anywhere,... Read More
At the end of each year, and on their birthdays,... Read More
"I know what I need to do, but I'm scared... Read More
1. Write down one goal that you want to achieve.... Read More
Goal Setting |