Business Advisor Network Blog

We all have goals.  It may be to keep our current job, or to get a different one. We have goals to save for the future, or to travel, take a vacation, or purchase the things we need and want to make our lives more enjoyable.

An important distinction however, is that top achievers are very intentional and focused on their goals, while many of the rest of us are not.

Top achievers know that the wording structure, timing and format of a goal can make its achievement much easier – or far more difficult. Top achievers understand the basic skills for setting and reaching their goals every time!

They know how to design goals that create success.

Here are the 10 most important steps to set and achieve your goals:

1. Reachable goals are SPECIFIC

Top achievers know that to reach their goals the brain must know exactly and precisely what they are trying to accomplish. Never word a goal with vague terms like “some” or “a little bit” or “more”. Be Specific. If you want to lose 8 pounds and reach a weight of 175 pounds, specify those exact numbers. If you want to save $200 this month, be exact.

2. Reachable goals are SIMPLE

Many people describe their goals in complex terms of retiring on the beach in Hawaii with nice cars and lots of money and….. the list goes on and on. Any one of those things is a great goal but the combination becomes overwhelming and the brain gets confused. If you want to retire in Hawaii, just say so! If you want to increase your sale by 10% this month then say so! Keep your goals simple, clear and focused.

3. Reachable goals are SIGNIFICANT

No one can muster the enthusiasm, hard work and courage to reach a goal they don’t really care about. A reachable goal is one you really, really, REALLY want! It’s something that will change you life, enhance your health or wealth and make you proud.

4. Reachable goals are STRATEGIC

High achievers know that the best goals accomplish many great outcomes all at one time. Running a 10 mile race will almost certainly: 1) feel great! 2) help you lose weight; 3) lower your cholesterol level; 4) strengthen your heart; 5) lower your risk of heart disease; 6) increase your energy and stamina and 7) improve your outlook. Design you goals to strategically impact as many areas of your life as possible. You’ll have more reasons to reach your goal and more excitement when you do.

5. Reachable goals are MEASUREABLE

A goal without a measurable outcome is just a pipe-dream. You can’t achieve a pound of “happiness” or six inches of “self esteem”. Someone has wisely observed that “what gets measured gets done”. Define your goals in terms of height, weight, dollars, inches or hours. Then measure your progress until you achieve your desired outcome.

6. Reachable goals are RATIONAL

To reach your goal you will need a plan, a path and a vehicle for getting there. Your goal must make sense. When you explain them to friends and family, your goals should create excitement, draw support and encouragement. Your goals should be just out of reach but not out of sight. You want to stretch to be your best, not strain after impossible dreams. Set goals you CAN and WILL achieve.

7. Reachable goals are TANGIBLE

Choose goals that you can see, hear, small or touch. Go for things you will enjoy and that you can clearly visualise. The brain has a hard time going for “financial security” but it can visualise a bank statement with nice large numbers on it. Define your goals in terms that excite the senses then go for it with all your heart.

8. Reachable goals are WRITTEN

High achievers always know precisely what they want because they’ve written it down. Often, they write a short description of their goals every single morning as a personal reminder of their priorities and their objectives.

9. Reachable goals are SHARED

We are far more likely to stick to our plan and reach our goals if we know our friends and family support us. Being part of a team increases our determination, our stamina and our courage. Caution: never share your goals with anyone who may ridicule, tease or discourage you! The world is full of doubters and you have to no time for them.

10. Reachable goals are CONSISTENT WITH YOUR VALUES

One of the biggest reasons people fail to achieve their goals is that they have conflict between their behaviour and their values. However, when your values and your goals are in agreement there is no stopping you. Clarify your values first then set simple, specific, measureable, tangible, written goals that are consistent with those values.

By Dr. Philip E. Humbert

Associate Accredited by the Institute for Independent Business

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