I’m often asked how to get started setting goals. Does an achievable goal begin with a vague idea or does a goal have to be detailed and specific? My answer: It should be both. A motivating and achievable goal is taking a dream and giving it the “legs” to become reality.
Here are my five basics for giving your dream (or hope or wish) the “legs” to become an achievable goal:
1. In your mind’s eye, paint a vivid picture of what your goal will look, feel, smell, taste and be like once it becomes reality. The more real your goal is to you in your mind and in your heart, the more motivated you’ll be to have this goal become reality in your life. Your mind is a powerful goal achieving mechanism.
2. Write a detail description of what you want to achieve. This is the time for details and specifics. Sit down at the computer or with pen and paper and write in as much detail as possible the vivid picture you’ve just painted in your mind’s eye. You’re now taking your dream and beginning to make it real. The more details the better – when you know exactly what you want it will be much easier to write an action plan for achieving it.
3. Write in detail why you want to achieve this goal. The key here is finding your true and powerful motivation for making this goal a reality. What will keep you from quitting before payday? What will keep you going forward even when the going gets tough? Why is achieving this goal so important to you? How will your life change for the better once this goal is reality? What is your unstoppable why? The bigger your “why” the more unstoppable you can become.
4. When are you willing to begin and by when do you want to achieve your goal? A goal achieving timeline is important. It gives you a frame of reference and helps you focus on keeping the important things, important. Think of it as having a blueprint for building a house – you wouldn’t say to a builder, “Anytime you can get around to it is fine with me.” Be specific but realistic about your timeline – stretch yourself to go for your goal yet be realistic regarding your time and energy.
5. Develop a plan of action for making your goal reality. This is the part where you commit to taking consistent action. This is where the “legs” of your goal begin to move forward toward success. Break your plan into doable bite-sized pieces. Have a day-to-day, week-to-week and month-to-month plan for consistently going forward. A goal is only a dream without having a well thought out plan of action.
These are basics. It is now your turn to add the life into these basics, to give your goal the “legs” to go positively forward. The more vivid and alive your goal is to you, the more motivation you’ll have to make it a reality in your life. Go for your goals!
Copyright © 2010 Sharon Michaels – All Rights Reserved
For over twenty years Sharon Michaels has been writing, speaking and empowering women to achieve greater personal and professional success.
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