So often we identify with our work when asked what we do. It stands to reason that we do the same when writing down goals. This year, as you prepare for 2014, approach your goals differently. What is it that really moves you? What do you really love to do or wish you could be, do or have?
Before you write down your goals, think about that one thing that matters so much to you that you don’t want to reach the end of your life not having done it. Sit in a very quiet place, where you can be still with yourself and ponder or meditate on what you really, really want.
Every goal we create for ourselves should be moving us to living the life we were meant to live. Once you are crystal clear on the goal of your life you can begin to think about everything that will get you there. Every decision you make, every moment of the day, either moves you towards your goal or away from it.
It is my belief many of us are not reaching our goals because we are confused about what is the path to get there. We are not clear about what we really, really want. Most importantly, we don’t believe enough in ourselves to believe we can fulfill our destiny. That’s right, destiny. What do you believe you are destined to do?
Everything about goals is about your destiny. You are going to reach the end of your life, one way or another. You will get there haphazardly, being thrown about by the waves of time, or you will KNOW your goals for your life and focus on reaching them.
So how do you set goals? As I mentioned, get clear on what you want for your life: the big goal. The big goal will change throughout your life. Just make certain it changes based on what you want and not what’s happened to you.
Decide when this goal will be achieved. If your big goal is a goal that is not quantifiable; for example, I want to live a life that leaves the world a better place, it is okay for now. A goal that is immeasurable, can still be attained. I am not suggesting goals shouldn’t have a way of being measured, in terms of progress or accountability. They must be. However, if a goal is about something that stirs your passion, it can be larger-than-life. What will be measurable are the steps and decisions made every day that move us towards our goals or away from them.
An example of questions to ponder, based on the goal in previous paragraph, are: What does leaving the world a better place mean to me? What would that look like? What would I have to do or change? What will have to happen? You must spend the time on creating the feelings and pictures that would result from reaching that goal. It is here where creating vision boards, using visualization techniques, meditating or praying and being still will help.
Now that you have the big idea (goal), are you living your life on purpose? What must you do today to live your life in fulfillment of your goal?
To work on goals, it is best to work backwards. You write down the big goal. Next, write down all the things that must happen for this goal to be reached. Will you have to work on your attitude or mindset? Does your goal require a better education or job? Must you change your current habits, relationships or location? What must you do every day that will allow you to live your life’s purpose? I can’t reiterate this enough. When writing down what must happen for your goals to be attained, it is not so much that you must know every tiny detail in order to get there. Once you focus on what you want, you will see the opportunities being provided for this goal to become a reality because you are now in a state of awareness. Ever bought a car and notice that same car everywhere? There aren’t more of those cars. You are more aware of its presence. Once you are crystal clear on what you want, be on the lookout for the how. Opportunities will begin to appear to help you reach your goal. The key is will you be aware when they appear or will you be distracted and miss the opportunities?
Goals must be written down and include a system for accountability. Progress helps us feel empowered. It reinforces our belief that we can achieve. Create an accountability system. If goals have deadlines, you are accountable for meeting the deadlines. If you’ve trusted someone with your goals and asked them to help you stay on track, you are accountable.
The most important act you can perform towards reaching your goal is keeping your eye the prize.