Setting Goals The Right Way

Setting goals is an important part of our lives when it comes to personal development. However, if we do not choose the right goals to set for ourselves, we do little more than set ourselves up for failure. The entire point of setting goals for your life is to make it better, not worse. Therefore, if we truly want to benefit from setting goals for ourselves, there are a few things we should keep in mind.

Check out this helpful article full of great ideas from POSITIVELY POSITIVE.

I firmly believe that everyone wants to live his or her best life. The question is what does “best” mean and how do you do it. Oprah talks about living your best life all the time, but what’s the first step in the process?
It’s important to realize there is a process, and setting goals is just one part of this process. Meaning, if you set the “perfect” goal but then have a negative mindset or get derailed at the first small obstacle, achieving your goal will be tricky. It’s not what we know but rather what we practice. We all need a toolkit or set of rituals. In my book, Living in Your Top 1%, I share nine rituals for success.

 

This blog focuses on Ritual Four: Go for the Goal.

 

One note before we jump in:
Don’t worry if your goals seem crazy to others, just get them out on paper and take a small step. The process of writing your goals is very empowering and helps to generate great ideas. Often, the crazy ideas are the ones that change the world.

 

7 Strategies for Success

 

1. Start with the Ideal Situation

 

This is your chance to dream. Imagine you have a blank slate, and you can be and do whatever you choose. No obstacles, just pure potential. Start with this image of possibilities and then work backwards to see what’s doable right now. Don’t focus on the obstacles when you are getting started. Yes, I am encouraging you to leave the mortgage, kids, and other responsibilities alone for right now. Think about what the ideal vision is for you. Then figure out what you need to do to make it happen.

 

2. Write Down Your Goals

 

When you write down your goals, you start to see where you want to go, and it’s easier to make decisions because you have a destination. Many people like to keep everything in their mind instead of put it down on paper. Well, let me tell you a little secret about these folks: They are also the people who are more likely not to follow through on their goals. Clarity can emerge from writing your dreams on paper.

 

3. Determine Why the Goal Is Important

 

Be very clear why you are setting this goal. Is it because your family wants you to do something, or does the goal matter to you? Please leave the “should” goals behind.

 

Is losing weight really important to you? Are you willing to make other sacrifices to make this goal a reality? Or does work really take priority over relationships? Often, we have to make difficult choices when setting goals. Yes, that’s part of the process as well. When goals are important to you, they will align with your values (i.e. adventure, respect, honesty, connecting, humor, etc.).

 

The question is will you feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment when you achieve the goal. If not, it’s not the right goal.

Image Credit: oreablog

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