Do You Know Where Your Goals Are?

Okay boys and girls...it's Friday, February 6, 2009...and I have one question for you: Do you know where your goals are?

It's crunch time. If you haven't completed writing your goals, now is the time. There's no excuse. The Super Bowl is over and the Oscars are two weeks away. So let's make a plan! Pick a time, just one hour this weekend, and get crackin'.

Find a time and place when and where you can concentrate and focus on the task at hand. You can do it at home first thing in the morning, or take a break from afternoon chores. I like to go out and away, somewhere I can think with minimal distractions. Do what works for you.

Need some guidance on how to write your goals? Use the SMART method.

Specific. Your goals must be clear: I want a new house. Okay, that's fine, but be specific. When do you want that house? What style house? How big? What will it look like? The more detail, the better.

Measurable. How will you know if you have accomplished your goals? You will have the house.

Action-oriented. What do you need to do? Do it, the Universe rewards action. "A" may also stand for Accountable. How will you keep yourself on task?

Reach. Stretch and achieve; your goal should be a stretch, not so easy that there is no sense of accomplishment.

Time Bound. Your goals and smaller objectives should be time bound, that is, have a start date and a target or ending date, with a few checkpoints for long-term goals.
Decide how you will stay on task. (Do it firmly, yet with love, understanding)

Here is an example::
Specific and Measurable: Lose 20 lbs
Action: Reduce calorie intake 100/day and walk 3 miles/3 times per week, join gym etc
Reach: never lost more then 10 lbs
Time: 11/1/09

Okay what's the next action? How about a start date: Monday 2/9/09.
Next action: make a schedule; find a calorie chart. (It is the best way is to count calories, no matter what they say in those commercials).

If you can break your goal down into small action steps, all the better. The best way to achieve any goal is to break them down in to small doable steps. (Remember the fear factor, small steps help minimize fear and make them seem more doable)

Make it a priority, walk your talk.

Helpful Hints

Put up reminders. (Rotate them, otherwise you will begin to not notice them.)
Tell a friend, your spouse; find support and encouragement. (This, I believe, is the most important part.) My friend Frank did this by using e-mail. He and a friend checked in with each other every day.
If you get off track or miss a day, start again immediately tomorrow.
Hire a trainer, a coach, join a group or a club such as Weight Watchers

Always and I mean Always remember it is about two things: 1. The process: what you become as you work towards your goal; and 2. Achieving the goal: to get healthier, look better, feel better.

You most likely will have multiple goals and you can use this or any other format you chose. Write them all on paper, make index cards, Post-it Notes -- reminders you can keep them with you. And, oh yes, review them. Cut-out and post "Goal" pictures, that is, you skinny, a new house, a full bank account, vacation, talking a class, starting a business.

If you get stuck, need help, have a question, want to share a tip, or success, PLEASE e-mail me at dennis@find-away.com. I would LOVE to hear from you.

So let me ask you this. What ever your goals are, dreams are, aren't they worth starting, following the steps? The answer is yes! So think about and focus only on how you will feel and what it will be like when you move towards your goals. If fears or doubts come let them slide away and keep going. And remember your support team, we are meant to work with each other, ask for help and give it, that's the way the world works best.

Find A Way

Dennis A. McCurdy
http://www.find-away.com