“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” ―Brad Paisley
Most likely as the curtains draw on 2014, you are already walking through your life, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done and cracks to be patched. Suppose, however, you walk through these rooms looking not for cracks, but for potential? And then create one or two challenging goals that will help you tap your true potential and release the inner resources lying dormant within you in 2015?
Here are seven tips for goal setting success to help you achieve your highest dreams in the New Year:
- Write it down. Write your goal down as clearly and as detailed as possible. Does it excite you? Is it challenging enough to stretch you and keep you motivated? If not, you may need to clarify it further, or change it altogether.
- Make it SMART. Make your goal:
Specific (what exactly do you want to achieve?)
Measurable (what will you see, hear, feel when you reach your goal?)
Attainable (given your present restrictions, is the goal realistic?)
Relevant (is it something you really want to accomplish?)
Time-bound (does your goal have a deadline: when is the completion date?)
- Create an action plan. You now have a SMART goal. What are the necessary steps (or tasks) that you need to take or finish in order to achieve your goal? An action plan helps you ensure that you don’t miss any key step and that you complete tasks in a sensible order.
- Exercise self-discipline. It won’t be every day that you’ll wake up feeling inspired to pursue your goal and plan. You need to develop self-discipline so that you have the persistence to work through your plan regardless how you feel and the challenges that may confront you.
- Stick with it. Imagine how your life would look like once you’ve achieved your goal. When the going gets tough, let this mental picture be a reminder of why you should stay committed to the disciplines that will lead to the achievement of your goal. Sustained effort over time will produce incredible results.
- Be accountable. The fact of having to answer to another person is a motivator to stay on track with your goal. Research shows that people are 50% more likely to succeed in their goal if they are accountable to someone else. Find a purpose partner who can provide friendly accountability and inspiration.
- Reward yourself. Find ways to reward yourself when you hit a milestone. Celebrating your efforts and treating yourself to something special each time you make progress will motivate you toward achieving your ultimate goal.
May your 2015 be full of joy, love, laughter and success!
Copyright ©2014 David Waweru
