Goals: A 10 Part Formula for Setting and Achieving Your Goals
Author: Charles M. Marcus

We all know about setting goals, and New Year is a time when many of us tend to make those new goals. Most of the time we make them with great intentions. We have high hopes for success, and we get excited. We join that health club to get in shape or to lose those extra few pounds. We make that career change, doing that one special thing we have always dreamed about. We all want to achieve our dreams, hopes and aspirations, but for one reason or the other we frequently never see those goals that are so important to us through to action.

Jim Rohn said about goals:
“ If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you, if you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us”

Remember the smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions. As we approach this pivotal goal-setting period, I think of this ten part formula I have found particularly effective for staying with and achieving your goals.

1.Sit down NOW and spend some quality time by yourself in a quiet room making out your goal list. Do not take this first step lightly. This is your blue print, your road map to success. Give it the time and respect it deserves. Ask yourself what it is you really want to achieve, what is really important to you. Are your expectations realistic? Are you prepared to sacrifice and pay the necessary price to achieve these goals? These are tough questions, you MUST take the time and be really honest with yourself. I’m sometimes amazed that many people spend more time watching television or planning their next family vacation than they do planning their own future! Remember, you must be very serious about your goals, because they will not just happen by themselves. You CAN and must make them happen yourself.

2.Write your goals down on paper and put them somewhere you can see them all the time. There is nothing more powerful than having your goals in black and white and in front of you. Brian Tracy said: “ Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines”. Be imaginative, and make the list as long as you want. There are no limitations.

3.Break your goals down into the categories and time frames suited to your needs and objectives. Most of your goals will be individual, but also set some with your spouse or significant other. Some examples: Financial Goals. Career Goals, Spiritual Goals, Health Goals, Family Goals, Personal Development Goals. Make your own list, define what is important to you and your future!

4.Prioritize. You can have as many goals as you like, but think realistically – don’t let your goals overwhelm you. Pick out the three or four most important and essential ones and set them as the non-negotiable ones.

5.Be flexible with your goals. Do not worry if you have to change your plan and reevaluate your goals from time to time. You can start and re start your goals at any time. It does not all have to happen only at the beginning of the new year. There are no rules, you make your own rules. Re-assess your goals: daily, weekly, monthly, bi monthly etc. There is no right and wrong way to set your goals. We all have different time frames and agendas, so do what is right for you. The most important thing is to never lose your FOCUS. Nothing is set in stone, but remember, it is also not set in sand. Be flexible, but not wishy-washy.

6.Make yourself a sign or something visible to you that will keep you focused. There are times when things are not going to go your way, when you may feel like giving up on your goals. I have a big sign in my office, where my goals are posted, saying two simple but profound words: PERSISTANCE and COMMITMENT. These words keep me focused and on track. What will motivate you to keep going, to persevere when you feel like giving up, or when you are just having a bad day?

7.Join the 3% club. That’s right, generally only 3% of people in the world will stay with and achieve their goals and see them through in 2002. As amazing as that sounds, it is true. That has been proven in survey after survey worldwide. Would you like to join that elite group. What is there to stop you? The only person who can stop you is YOU.

8.Look long, act short. My philosophy about meeting your goals is to have a long-term focus, but short-term objectives. It is the little steps that keep us going, those little victories that stop us from becoming frustrated by the short-term setbacks that will occur from time to time. Do not be afraid of taking a few steps backwards sometimes. That is okay. As long as you are also taking steps forward, ultimately heading in the direction where you want to go. You will get to where you want to be in the end. Trust me. You can never be a winner in life unless you have the courage to face the obstacles that will appear.

9.Share your goals with people you trust and whose opinion you value. Family, Friends, Loved Ones, Work Colleagues etc. I have always found this to be a very effective and positive way for keeping one focused and accountable. Of course you will share different goals with different people, and you may choose to keep some very personal goals to yourself, but in general, I truly believe that sharing your goals works. Try it, and see if it works for you.

10.Finally, have fun with your goals. Achieving these goals should be a treat, not a chore, but also realize they will not happen by themselves. You must be fully committed to achieving what it is you want in life, it is great to believe and to be inspired and motivated by your goals, but it will not happen for you unless you ACT upon your goals and take a positive step every single day.

Treat your goals with respect and give them your full attention, time and energy. They will bring you the rewards and success you desire. To your success.








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Charles Marcus is an international speaker and trainer. To subscribe to his FREE personal and professional development newsletter, please send an email to charles@cmarcus.com with the word SUBSCRIBE. For more information on how Charles and his programs can benefit your group, please call 416-490-6744, email charles@cmarcus.com or visit his website: www.cmarcus.com

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