A goal is the objective toward which an endeavor is directed. The reason goals are so necessary in order to achieve success is simple. Habakkuk 2:2 tells us to “write the vision, and make it plain so that he who reads it may run.” If we do not know where we are going (our objective), it is impossible to know if we ever get there!
Until you know the “Why” … the “How” doesn’t matter.
Until you take the time to clearly decide what it is you want in life, specifically write down your goals and map out a plan to accomplish them, you will remain unfocused and largely ineffective in accomplishing them!
“If it’s to be, it’s up to me!”
The simplest way to map out (in writing) and visualize (Dream Map photos) your goals and dreams is to ask yourself some specific questions.
Remember, goal-setting is very empowering. Achieving your goals is not really the problem; it is the process of setting of those goals that is typically the problem.
Did You Know?
Only 3% of the population ever put their goals down on paper, making them 90 times more achievable? That same 3% owns more than the other 97% combined.
Which percent do you want be a part of? Many people live their lives by chance, never setting goals that will allow them to achieve their dreams. Their dreams remain just that … dreams.
Here Are Some Powerful Thoughts About Goal-Setting
1. Make a list of your values.
What is really important to you – your relationship with God; your relationship with your family; your leisure time; your hobbies? What does your ideal lifestyle look like? Decide what you value most, and then be sure the goals you have set for your life truly embrace those values.
2. Begin with the end result in mind.
Let’s say your most important goal is to build a team of 1,000 members. You must first create a very clear image in your mind of what you want your team to look like and be like when it is in place. Second, you must ask yourself how you would need to operate on a day-to-day basis in order to accomplish your objective of 1,000 members. Third, as you begin to build your team, begin to act and operate your business based upon the image and objectives you have clearly defined.
3. Project yourself into the future.
The late Earl Nightingale created a new industry in self-improvement after conducting a 20-year study on what made people successful. The result of his research was simply, “We become what we think about.” The thoughts that dominate our minds usually shape what we become. Proverbs 23:7 tells us that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” That is why goal-setting is so critical in achieving success. It keeps us focused on what is really important to us. Nightingale found that the easiest way to reach goals was to imagine that they had already been achieved. Begin to walk, talk, dress, and act as though you are already experiencing the success you seek.
4. Write down ten goals you want to accomplish this year.
By making a list of the things that are most important to you, you begin to create images in your mind. It has been said that your mind will actually create chaos, if necessary, to make images become reality. A powerful example of this is when we allow the thoughts and images in our mind to be dominated by negative emotions to the point that our mind creates chaos until the very things that we feared most become reality. This should help us realize how important it is to think positive thoughts and create positive images and positive spoken statements. Speak positive thoughts out loud to yourself and others every day, claim them as your reality, and believe them.
5. Create your Dream Map.
Place a large poster board on a wall in your home. Position it where you will see it often. Place a picture of yourself and your family in the center of the poster, surrounding it with images, encouraging words, and photos you find in magazines or other sources that represent what you want to acquire or accomplish. This imagery will create your Dream Map. Make a collage of goals that excite and inspire you. As you look at your Dream Map each day, begin to see yourself enjoying these things. If you can dream it, you truly can achieve it!
6. Ask yourself questions.
As you consider your goals, rather than wishing they would come true, ask yourself how and what you need to do to make them a reality.
7. Focus on one goal at a time.
A major error many people make in goal-setting is trying to work on too many things at one time. There is tremendous power in giving focused attention and energy to one idea, one goal or one objective at a time.
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Andy Ochumba is a Life and health coach, Change Agent, Agribusiness Entreprenuer and consultant and blogger at
www.trevobenefits.com
www.facebook.com/trevobenefits
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