Goals – In Life Not Hockey!

We have all heard about the importance of setting goals to be successful in life.  What most people don’t realize is that we don’t have the slightest idea on how to begin this process.  We may write down what we would like to achieve by a certain birthday, but never take any steps to make this goal a reality.  The act of writing it down, doesn’t make it happen, that takes work and determination.

I am not the richest, smartest or most talented person in the world, but I succeed because I keep going and going and going.

Sylvester Stallone

Writing down our goals is a good first step.  It is by writing them, and referring back to the list, that we can keep focused on the finish line that we are desiring.  

Important things to remember when writing your goals:

1. Make sure your goals align with your morals and ethics.
2. Don’t be afraid to alter your goals if your priorities change.
3. Make small goals and large goals.
4. Break the large goals into smaller steps to accomplish them.
5. Include goals for all ares of your life, personal, work, relationship, etc.

In Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the second habit is “Begin with the end in mind.”  This is a good place to start in thinking of goal-writing.  Think of where you want to be and the life you want to live to determine what your goals should be.  What outcome do you expect from a particular goal.  Analyzing this will help to determine the merits and value of the goal in your life.

If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.

Michelangelo

Goal-setting is a very powerful exercise. It will act like a road map of our progress.   It will not only help us determine the direction we are heading, but also how long it will take us to get there.  Put it on your calendar including reminders along the way.

We should not be afraid to fail.  We need to be persistent, determined, and keep positive along the journey.  If we do not give up, we are assured of reaching the goals we have set.  Failure is not an option.  

It will take an immense amount of willpower to accomplish our goals. But if we truly want to achieve them, it will not seem like work at all.  Focus on the positive feeling of accomplishment along the way and enjoy every step in your journey.