Goal Setting 101

Why is it that many people make New Year’s resolutions but can’t achieve them?  Oftentimes the resolution is too vague (I want to lose weight) or so unattainable (I will run a marathon) that they are abandoned very quickly.  I consider September a new year; maybe it is that new yellow pencil mentality so I set goals now versus waiting till January 1^st.  To be successful though, you can’t set unrealistic goals.  Instead follow these suggestions so that you gain success in each phase of your journey to eventually reach your ultimate goal. 

energy drainers – keep a small notebook or piece of paper in your pocket for a week.  Write down each time you feel being drained.  Also identify your timewasters (e.g.  time spent playing computer games, etc.)  At the end of the week, calculate this total time.  By doing this, you can re-evaluate how to put this time to better use.

 watch your words – It has been a challenge in the past year to think positive, however, life is a cycle and good times will be here again soon.  By using uplifting words, the energy you create will manifest itself onto others.  Also try to picture your words as colors.  Warm colors like yellow and orange can be turned into words such as sunny, opportunity, and pleasant and will bring about a healthier attitude and perspective.  Write your goals and the steps to obtain them down in present tense and use a pencil.  There is some connection having pencil to paper that makes reaching that goal more attainable.

 diversify – Think about the celebrities that stand out from the others.  How have they done that?  The answer is that they have successfully “tweaked” their persona several times over the course of their career.  You can achieve similar results.  Due to work, family considerations, and other obligations, most people do not have the time, money or desire to pursue an advanced degree or CPA.  Instead consider a certification program, a class at a community college, or volunteer for programs like Habitat for Humanity where you can learn a new skill.  By doing this, you will make new contacts as well as have the satisfaction of succeeding in trying something new.  If you are in the job market, employers favor candidates who continuously expand their repertoire of skills. 

 visualize – The book, The Secret, discusses the law of attraction and how a positive attitude can project itself onto others and the universe.  To be truly effective, you have to take it one step farther.  Try creating a vision board – collect photos, magazine pictures, etc. and place them on a board so that you can see every day what you are trying to accomplish.  Studies have proven that if you can visualize a goal, you have a better likelihood of achieving it.

 enjoy the journey – In our fast paced society, most people want to get to their destination/goal/completion of a project.  Try instead to stay in the present and really experience each step along the way.  Patience is key which most people (including myself) find difficult to practice.  Savor each step and reflect before moving onto the next phase.

Try using these methods on a daily basis.  The objective is not to put pressure on yourself but to make you more self aware which will lead to a more enriching life especially in these interesting times.