Goal setting is the true secret to success in any area of life. But although setting a goal may seem simple, achieving it is usually another question altogether. This is because you will never achieve your goals unless you: (1) know exactly what you want, (2) are passionate about your goal, and (3) have a solid, realistic plan of action. This is what makes the difference between vague dreams and wishes - and truly achievable goals! Many obstacles and challenges will fly right in your face when you're going after a goal. But here are 5 time-tested methods that will help get the success you deserve.
1. Know exactly what you want. The first plan of action in achieving your goal is to actually know what it is! It is not as simple as "I want to lose weight", you must define your goal, make it realistic, and breathe life into it. This is how you separate a true goal from a pipe dream. You need to know exactly what your desired end result will be and how it will look when you get there.
Is your goal focused on trying to get into a certain college? Do you want to make more money? Would you like to become better organized? Once you set your goal, you need to define it clearly and completely. The more detail you include, the more likely your success. Envision how you will be or feel when you achieve that goal, write down steps you need to achieve in order to get there, and try to anticipate any possible road blocks along the way and how you will handle them. This can be challenging for some, but without this clear picture you will not have the proper focus to achieve your goal.
2. Be willing to pay the "entry fee". Success isn't achieved by sitting and waiting for things to happen. Achieving a goal and having a set plan to achieve it by go hand in hand. Think of yourself as an author writing a story. You have a rough idea in your head of the plot line of your next novel (which is going to be a bestseller by the way!) You write that down on paper, and slowly but surely, the plot line develops into a solid story. You start developing the characters, their nuances, and their influence on your plot. You start mapping out the events in your story that will help your novel to develop. The moment that roughly thought out plot line becomes a solid story, it becomes a novel. Now apply this methodology to setting out a plan to achieve your goal. But consider the "entry fee" to this as well.
Creating more study success may mean less recreational time. Getting an A+ in Maths may require you to watch less TV. It's the "full glass" theory. If your life (and your time) is already full to the top, there's no room for something new. The entry fee is carving out the time to create that amazing thing for yourself.
3. Focus on your goal every day. I'm sure you probably want to achieve your goal as fast as possible. That's why clear mental focus is so very important. Consistent daily focus is absolutely necessary to "burn in" the new neural pathways you need to create your new goal. Without daily focus, the old mental habits that have kept you from your goal will continue to take over. This happens automatically - since these old habits replay 24/7 deep in your subconscious mind. The only way to override subconscious anti-success messages is to consciously focus on what you do want - and build new neural networks! That's why success is an every-day event.
It's understandable that in the daily grind of life, our goals can sometimes take a back seat. But in order to truly achieve a goal, you must make a conscious effort for life to not get in the way! Always prioritize your goals and your success!
4. Get passionate. One of the most powerful tools in your "success tool box" is having real passion for your goal. Why passion? Because intense passionate desire for your goal will help you burn in those new neural pathways even faster. Many scientific studies have shown that intense emotion (i.e. passion) is a key success tool. Plus (and this is really a big plus), intense passion will also help you rapidly override any inappropriate old "failure messages" stored in your subconscious mind.
5. Take consistent action. This is the most intuitive but probably the most difficult step. You can sit and make goals and make a plan to achieve your goal, but unless you actually take action towards achieving your goals, it won't happen! The key is to take one small action after another - but take action you must! If you want to get an A+ in your Geography paper, then learn a new geographical term every day. Eventually, you will have mastered enough knowledge to be well on your way to getting that A+. The fruits of your labor will always pay off. Wishing for things to happen will not make them happen!
Remember, life is simply what you make of it. You can create the life you desire, provided you know what it is that you want and focus on it with passion. This intense passion and focus can only bear fruit if you take action. Don't just dream about it, do it!
1. Know exactly what you want. The first plan of action in achieving your goal is to actually know what it is! It is not as simple as "I want to lose weight", you must define your goal, make it realistic, and breathe life into it. This is how you separate a true goal from a pipe dream. You need to know exactly what your desired end result will be and how it will look when you get there.
Is your goal focused on trying to get into a certain college? Do you want to make more money? Would you like to become better organized? Once you set your goal, you need to define it clearly and completely. The more detail you include, the more likely your success. Envision how you will be or feel when you achieve that goal, write down steps you need to achieve in order to get there, and try to anticipate any possible road blocks along the way and how you will handle them. This can be challenging for some, but without this clear picture you will not have the proper focus to achieve your goal.
2. Be willing to pay the "entry fee". Success isn't achieved by sitting and waiting for things to happen. Achieving a goal and having a set plan to achieve it by go hand in hand. Think of yourself as an author writing a story. You have a rough idea in your head of the plot line of your next novel (which is going to be a bestseller by the way!) You write that down on paper, and slowly but surely, the plot line develops into a solid story. You start developing the characters, their nuances, and their influence on your plot. You start mapping out the events in your story that will help your novel to develop. The moment that roughly thought out plot line becomes a solid story, it becomes a novel. Now apply this methodology to setting out a plan to achieve your goal. But consider the "entry fee" to this as well.
Creating more study success may mean less recreational time. Getting an A+ in Maths may require you to watch less TV. It's the "full glass" theory. If your life (and your time) is already full to the top, there's no room for something new. The entry fee is carving out the time to create that amazing thing for yourself.
3. Focus on your goal every day. I'm sure you probably want to achieve your goal as fast as possible. That's why clear mental focus is so very important. Consistent daily focus is absolutely necessary to "burn in" the new neural pathways you need to create your new goal. Without daily focus, the old mental habits that have kept you from your goal will continue to take over. This happens automatically - since these old habits replay 24/7 deep in your subconscious mind. The only way to override subconscious anti-success messages is to consciously focus on what you do want - and build new neural networks! That's why success is an every-day event.
It's understandable that in the daily grind of life, our goals can sometimes take a back seat. But in order to truly achieve a goal, you must make a conscious effort for life to not get in the way! Always prioritize your goals and your success!
4. Get passionate. One of the most powerful tools in your "success tool box" is having real passion for your goal. Why passion? Because intense passionate desire for your goal will help you burn in those new neural pathways even faster. Many scientific studies have shown that intense emotion (i.e. passion) is a key success tool. Plus (and this is really a big plus), intense passion will also help you rapidly override any inappropriate old "failure messages" stored in your subconscious mind.
5. Take consistent action. This is the most intuitive but probably the most difficult step. You can sit and make goals and make a plan to achieve your goal, but unless you actually take action towards achieving your goals, it won't happen! The key is to take one small action after another - but take action you must! If you want to get an A+ in your Geography paper, then learn a new geographical term every day. Eventually, you will have mastered enough knowledge to be well on your way to getting that A+. The fruits of your labor will always pay off. Wishing for things to happen will not make them happen!
Remember, life is simply what you make of it. You can create the life you desire, provided you know what it is that you want and focus on it with passion. This intense passion and focus can only bear fruit if you take action. Don't just dream about it, do it!
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