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Goal Setting

Goal Setting, Personal Development

Goal Setting For A More Purposeful Life

May 20, 2008

I chanced upon this article when I was searching for blog content and thought that it was a good article to really sum up how important goal setting is to guarantee not only success but also to make sure that your life has a direction which you move towards in. I have ‘italicized’ some of the main points for your easy browsing and those in parentheses are just some of my thoughts too! 😀 Enjoy.

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If you wanted to take a trip to somewhere and you haven’t gone to that particular place before, what is the one thing that you will probably be having ? Yes, that’s right. You will probably have a map in your hand to show you exactly how to get from where you are at to where you want to go. [You need to know your destination before you can search the map for where you want to go. Likewise, it is important for you to know the eventual outcome that you are looking for before you make plans and set your goals.] This sounds like common sense but for many people out there who have not been exposed to goal setting techniques and have no idea how to properly plan a goal, they might be just as well be walking around in a circle.

A personal goal setting process is a framework that provides you a step by step procedure from assessing where you are at right now and taking you from this current point in time to forming a plan which has tasks, timeline and milestones. It provides you a guiding line every step of the way so you can refer to it at any point on your journey to reach your goals. [How true! By setting your goals, you are developing the pit stops for your progress towards success. Moreover, if you incorporate rewards at each pit stop, you’d realise that working towards your goals is not as tedious as it seems!]

Some people who are not exposed to some of the goal setting techniques most probably think its a waste of time. To these people, a goal setting plan is nothing more then a to-do list. [OH GOSH! Have i been making my goal setting plan like a to-do list?? Haha.. seems so on my blog right? Rest assured, I have a detailed goal plan! However, sometimes, we always need perseverence to stick by them!] Moreover, they have the concept that their dreams will come true if they just have a thought in their minds. If only it was that simple. Without a plan, where would an individual know if he has been slipped on his schedule or where should he reallocate more time to readjust timelines for more difficult task.

[I think this paragraph really has summed up exactly how you will be if you don’t have your goals set!] If you want to reach a goal without a plan, you are akin to a ship in the middle of an ocean without an map or a compass. You are always trying to move in a certain direction, but you don’t know where you are and you don’t know if the direction you are moving will lead you to your destination.

With a well thought of plan, you can have the flexibility to make changes to any parts of the plan without affecting your entire journey to reach your goals. Some people may argue that having a plan restricts the individual in taking any opportunities that comes in the middle of their journey and reduces the spontaneity that comes with life. This is a false concept. [Oh yeah! Your goals set will actually make you more targeted and focused such that you will notice greater opportunities that might come your way to help you reach your outcomes sooner!] Having a good plan from a productive personal goal setting session not only contributes to you having more flexibility and freedom to cater for any unexpected surprises, you will also have less stress in thinking what your next step will be because you have taken the element of double guessing your actions out of the equation.

Time is precious [OH DEFINITELY.. It’s so precious that nothing can buy more time!] and we only have a limited amount of time on earth. Do you want to wander aimlessly or would you prefer to be laser focused on getting results and living the best life that you deserve to live. The choice is yours. [So have you made your choice? I hope so!]

Written By: Alvin Loh

General, Goal Setting, Personal Development

10 Ways To Achieve Your Goals

February 28, 2007

We all have goals and resolutions and why is it that often, we don’t seem to be able to achieve them? Well, you have to ask yourself first, whose goals are you setting? Are they yours or are they developed because of other people’s expectations and hopes of you?

If you find the goal dreadful and you experience fear or anxiety, then it’s obviously not what you want! And it’s a goal of someone else. If that’s the case, why are you still hanging on it it? You have to get rid of it because it will just hinder your future successes and progress!

After you have thought of your goals, you need to commit yourself to your goals. And with this 10 steps, you can be sure that you will be more committed and more motivated to work towards your goals!

1. Write them down!

>> Statistics show people who write down their goals have over an 80% success rate of achieving them! Write the goals in your notebook, on the wall, in fact, anywhere! You can even start a goals journal. These goals have to be specific, measurable, achievable, results-oriented and time-limited!

  • Specific: Describe every single detail of the goal
  • Measurable: You have to be able to measure your progress. Be it through charting your improvement to getting someone to examine your progress!
  • Achievable: You will need to set realistic goals and not those that are of your fantasies.
  • Results-Oriented: What’s the point of working towards a goal if you are not expecting anything out of it?
  • Time-limited: Time yourself. Make sure that you don’t procrastinate in achieving your goals.

2. Create a plan of small steps to get you where you want to be.

>> You can do so with timelines where you can chart your progress and also take note of how much you want to progress with each day. Do remember to review your plan monthly to see its effectiveness.

3. Write down your motivating reason(s)/ driving factor for wanting the goal.

>> Write it with such passion, feeling, and energy that it makes it sooo clear why getting the goal is important to you. These reasons will keep you focused on what you want to achieve and also on how much time and effort you are going to put in everyday to achieve the results you want.

4. Create 3 to 5 positive motivating statements that will keep you on track.

>> These motivating statements will excite you and keep you motivated. Always remember to use the present tense! As for me, mine’s “Do or Do Not, There is No Try!” Always repeat these statements to yourself when you are feeling down or demoralised. Because they have to ability to perk you up and energise you!

5. Visualize what it is like to have achieved your goal.

>> By visualizing it, you are living it, tasting it, feeling it, smelling it, seeing it, reveling in it! Think about how you will feel on achieving the goal. How others will think of you and the ability that you have to accomplish more!

6. Start a daily routine.

>> Start each day by reviewing your goals and your progress. Remind yourself of your driving factor and also charge yourself by repeating your motivating statements. Then, picture yourself achieving the goal and finally obtaining it! Make your goal a priority and write down the things you can do in the day to be closer to your goal.
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