Setting goals is so important when you are starting any journey whether it is towards better health and wellness or finding success in other areas of life. Here are 8 steps that will help you get to where you want to be. This is a great method I love to introduce to my clients when they have a big goal they want to reach.
1. Know exactly what you want
This may sound obvious but unless you know exactly what you want, how can you achieve it? The more details, numbers, dates you can plan the better. You need a very clear focus of what you do want in order to receive it.
2. Write down your goals
This is one technique that sorts out the people who succeed and the people who fail. We are constantly reminded how important it is to write down your goals yet very very few of us do it. According to research you are 95% more likely to achieve your goal if it is written down. Enough said. Do it! And place it somewhere you'll see it every day... I love to use my bathroom mirror & sticky notes!
3. Believe
If you try and achieve a goal that you don't truly believe in, your subconscious mind will not allow you to achieve it. You'll only succeed in tearing yourself up inside. As Napoleon Hill said, "Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, it can achieve"
4. Remind yourself constantly of the goal
The more you repeat it to your subconscious mind, the more it will be programmed in. There are a variety of techniques you can use including repeating affirmations or using subliminal software. If you spend a lot of time on your computer I recommend using software that flashes messages on your screen that only the subconscious can pick up. Set the wallpaper of your phone with a screen shot of your goals. Set an automated email to send to your email address reminding you of your goals. There are so many things you can do!
5. Be passionate about your goal
You're far more likely to achieve your goal if it excites you. Think about all the benefits to you once you have achieved your goal. Imagine how you would feel, how would your life be different. Picture your life with your goals achieved and notice what's changed.
6. Break it down into bite size chunks
If you have really big goals then great. The only way you'll be big is to think big. However sometimes you may need to break it down into smaller intermediate goals. It makes it easier for you to believe it's possible and it helps you organize yourself on a short, medium and long term.
7. Reward yourself along the way
Every time you have some success make sure you reward yourself. It will help keep the desire and enthusiasm burning. It will also tell your subconscious mind you're achieving your goals. If your goal has anything to do with health and wellness, your reward should never be centered around food! For example, do not "reward" yourself with a piece of cake if you have eaten healthy all week. This is counterproductive. But your reward could be a new book, a movie or episode of a TV show, it could be a new article of clothing.
8. Stay positive at all times
Ultimately the only person who can stop you achieving your goals is YOU. Fear and self doubt are common enemies but are only created in your mind. You must also make sure that you are concentrating on what you do want, not what you don't want.
Remember the only way you will fail is if you give up.
If you need help setting goals or figuring out how to reach them, don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation!