Introduction
If you are not making the progress you want to make and are capable of making, it may be because your goals are not clearly defined.
Key to Goal Setting
Goal setting should become a habit. Goals must be written down in order to crystallize thinking.
Types of Goals:
- Immediate – short range
- Ultimate – long range
- Tangible: wants (anything you’ve ever wanted) OR needs (what has to be done daily/weekly)
Procedure for Goal Setting
- Personal brain-storming session; fantasize and dream. Write down everything that comes into your head. What have you always wanted to do or be? Don’t judge whether or not you can do something – write down everything you think of. (long-range goals)
- List making – Develop a plan for attaining long-range goals by setting up short-range goals. WRITE DOWN what you have to do daily, weekly, monthly. Cross off items as you finish or attain them. Start with little lists to develop little successes and then work into long-range goals. (Called success conditioning)
What Interferes With Success
- Procrastination – putting things off.
- Using intellect, logic, reasoning when first setting goals to judge whether or not you can do something and what other people may say.
Adversity
Adversity = Blessing (if you are goal-directed)
Adversity does not wipe out your goal. Instead, it:
- intensifies your desire to attain the goal.
- increases your confidence.
- multiplies your determination.
When success comes, it is sweeter. You are a stronger person because of adversity. Don’t take your eyes off your written goals; don’t get discouraged. Press forward toward your goals and do not dwell on the past; dwell on the positive aspects of all situations.
Intangible Goals
Sometimes you want things, but you’re not interested in developing internal qualities that prepare you for these goals. You need to set some intermediate goals to train yourself for bigger goals.
General Comments
You need a no limitation belief in people and in yourself.
You can control what goes into your brain:
garbage in = garbage out
good stuff in = good stuff out
You are conditioned by everything you encounter in life. Looking forward to the end result (achieving goals) serves as a motivating force.
Summary
- Make your goals personal (your own).
- State your goals positively.
- Write down all goals and make them specific.
- Make your goals compatible with other parts of your life.
- Consider your personality characteristics when setting goals. Your attitude is controlled by how you think.