Jim Rohn said
“..don’t waste your time trying to turn ducks into eagles. Hire people who already have the motivation and drive to be eagles and then just let them soar”
I agree with Jim Rohn - motivation comes from within.
Further, I believe that people get motivated when they understand purpose, vision and goals.
I mean, if you wake up in the morning knowing why you are here on earth, having a mental picture of your future and some goals to get you there – you’ll feel pretty motivated!
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Habits not goals
I will be honest – I don’t always enjoy setting goals. Sometimes I feel like goals take fun and spontaneity out of life.
They demand discipline and focus. And tonnes of growing up.
They remove ‘other options’ – the things I’d rather stumble into, distractions that allow me to be busy but lazy.
Yep, I am like most of us – love that illusion of a free, nonchalant existence.
Towards the end of last year though, I got my light-bulb moment when I read Jeff Goins post “Why you shouldn’t bother with making resolutions this year“.
He seemed to agree that goals and plans are basically useless. He prefers ‘resolve‘ and ‘change of habits‘ to ‘goal setting‘ and ‘making resolutions‘.
Bright guy!
As I finished the post, I realized that Jeff was in the same boat as all the real other goal setters and planners of life.
They agree that while goals are okay, they are nothing, zero, if they are not backed up by intentionality.
Now I look at goal-setting the way Jeff does – forming new habits. Getting some resolve.
The goal creation process
Even though some of us are allergic to the term ‘goal setting’ or ‘planning’, we still have to figure out how to get from A to point B in life, right?.
So whatever your lot (meticulous goal-setter or one that breaks out in hives at the thought), keeping the following in mind can make your plotting more successful.
1. Your goals and plans need to be in line with your purpose, your core values.
Goals should be actual steps that get you from where you are today to where you want to be – a thriving purpose-filled life. Motivation is always high for the things you love.
2. You need to fetch your goals from your head and put them where your physical eyes can see them.
Frankly, out of site gets quickly out of mind.
I stick my monthly goals on my fridge while my yearly goals hang on the walls of our study. There is something wonderful about having that plan in your face – you cannot forget it even when you want to.
3. Your plans need to cover all areas of your life.
You cannot advance in your career at the expense of family. Or change the world as your health suffers.
So have a plan for your marriage, finances, spiritual life, recreation and every area you consider important. This is what brings balance.
4. You need to hedge your goals a little bit.
Yes, that dreaded word. Deadline.
At the beginning of this year, I had a goal to move my blog from a free platform to my own website.
But I did not put a deadline to it. Without a deadline, I ambled along, ‘trusting God’ but having no real sense of urgency or commitment. I eventually succeded, but it took two more months before I accomplished it.
Deadlines make you accountable, remind you of your commitments. They edge you on. Many people break down their goals to 5 years plans, then one year, six months – down to daily tasks.
My husband is my hero – he has a 50 year plan.
Just remember to be realistic in your planning. Stretch yourself but let the goals to motivate you, not crush and discourage you.
5. Life will change – so will goals.
It’s okay to change your mind (otherwise my gender would be extinct by now).
Purpose though, does not change. Remember to be flexible, change things around if you must.
6. If you are like me, there are things you want to achieve like yesterday. However, you cannot hurry purpose.
Intentional people recognize the power of time. 90% of goal achievement is sheer persistence, keeping at it until you get results.
Question – Do you like setting goals or do you ‘trick’ your mind like I do? What other tips and insights can you share when it comes to setting and achieving your goals?
Please share your thoughts in Comments below.
*Image – FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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