I'm all about goals. I hate when people waste their potential just because they have talked themselves out of being AMAZING. They set goals that are nonthreatening, easily attainable and just as easily ignored. The set goals that, if accomplished, don't really change anything one way or the other. STOP IT. I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!
Are you happy with the trajectory of where your life is headed?
Honestly answer the question.
Now take out a piece of paper. NOW. I'm serious. I mean it. Don't sit there acting like you are too cool, or too busy, just do it. You are about to change your life.
Take a few minutes to really think about what your life will look like in 10 years. In paragraph form, answer the following questions to help you visualize your future better :
Your VISION is set 10 years in the future, is clear and concise (one to two paragraphs) with enough detail to feel complete, and incorporates all major domains of our life: health, personal and career. Your vision should move you emotionally and make excited – maybe even a little nervous. Use present tense language and write it as if you are already there. Make sure it is authentic to you and grounded in your most sincere passions. Use the following questions to help you write your vision.
1.What would you dare to do if you knew you could not fail?
2. Describe what you see, hear, and feel in your ideal life.
3. Who is there?
4. How do you spend your time?
5. Where do you spend your time?
Now that you have written down what you want to see, lets come up with some POWERFUL goals to help you accomplish your dream. Goals are what it takes to make your vision happen. It’s the “work” part.
Our goals are powerful! When we write powerful goals, we make sure we:
- Trickle back.
Set your 10-year goals first, then move backwards to your five-year and one-year goals. - Keep it quantifiable.
You should always be able to measure your goals (and, in the same way, our success). - Are specific.
It’s easier to do something if we know what that thing is. That’s why we precisely articulate the desired activity, object or outcome in our goals. - Use the present tense.
Write your vision and goals in the present tense to make them more attainable. - Use affirmative language.
Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. Keep your goals clear by stating what we want, not what we don’twant. - Include a by-when date.
We use by-when dates to motivate us and give our goals structure. Deadlines give people drive!
Now that you know the attributes of goal setting, find your piece of paper again. Write down two or three goals for each of the following categories:
Example: I save (present tense) $5,000 for graduate school (quantifiable and specific) by December 2012 (by when date)
Ready? GO!
10 Year Goals
Career:
Health:
Personal:
5 Year Goals
Career:
Health:
Personal:
1 Year Goals
Career:
Health:
Personal:
Put your goals somewhere where you will see them often and be reminded of the huge success that is waiting for you. Share this with friends and pretty soon, we will all be on our way to being happier, healthier, more productive people.
You're Welcome.
*This post was adapted through many sites and goal setting blogs, including my lifetime of knowledge.
