How To Achieve Your Goals

Most people go through life with an idea of what they want to do, but very few achieve their dreams. Only around 20 percent of the population set goals, and even then only around 30 percent of that figure ever achieve their desired goal. Why is this?

There are many reasons why people just give up on their dreams. Some of these include lack of self belief, fear of failure, or even surprisingly fear of success.

It’s easy to make excuses as to why you can’t do something. Lack of time, lack of money, too old, you’ll fail so why try anyway.

The secret to achieving a goal is really very simple. Know EXACTLY what you want and what you need to do to get it. Then create a plan of action you can stick to.

We all make small goals every day without realising it. One example is the weekly grocery shop. You make out a list of what you need, then you drive to the store and purchase those items.

Another example is driving. You wouldn’t get in the car and drive without knowing exactly where you’re going. You’d soon get lost if you did, and have a hard time reaching your destination.

The problem most of us have is not with small goals, but with the bigger life changing ones. You may start out full of enthusiasm, however unless you’re truly committed, and have a strong enough motivation for achieving your goal you may start to find your initial drive and enthusiasm fades.

This may happen after the first few setbacks, or after someone makes a few negative comments. But don’t worry, you can overcome this

Keep reading as I show you the steps you need to take to achieve your goals.

Firstly, what EXACTLY is your goal?

I mentioned this just now, but unless you know exactly what you’re trying to achieve, you’ll have little chance of success.

Your goals are unique to you and only you know your reasons for wanting to achieve them. Maybe your goal is to lose weight, eat more healthily, find a soulmate, get married, start a business, or even clear your debts. Whatever your goal is you must give it your full attention and commitment.

The art of goal setting

You need to work out exactly what your goal is and what you have to do to achieve it. Being vague won’t get you anywhere, and the chances of achieving a goal you’re not really sure about are very slim.

Take a piece of paper and write down what your goal is, why you want to achieve it, and how you’d feel if you didn’t. Be as exact as possible. You must also be realistic.

For example you want to lose 7lb before your daughter’s wedding in 3 months time. This is very realistic and easily achievable. You want to look your very best on your daughter’s big day, so you have a strong motivation.

Next you need to identify the steps required to reach your goal. In the example of losing 7lbs, you may need to make a weekly meal plan, as well as exercise plan for losing your target weight.

You would then break this down into monthly and weekly targets. Within the weekly targets you’d also create daily targets. In the case of losing weight these targets may be exercise related.

Daily rituals for success

Creating daily rituals is a great idea as they soon become habits. For example you may decide to do 10 minutes of weight training each day. This will help tone your body, or another daily ritual may be a 10 minute jog.

You also need to create a specified time for your daily rituals as this will help establish them. You probably clean your teeth at certain times of the day, and this will be a deeply ingrained daily ritual that you do without thinking.

One common mistake people make when creating a big goal is to feel so overwhelmed by it they never make a start. Excuses and procrastination are typical.

No matter how big the end goal is don’t be intimidated by it. Breaking it up into smaller goals makes it seem less scary and much more easy to achieve.

How to avoid procrastination

Procrastination is often caused by a fear of failure. You want to achieve your goal, yet are held back by a lack of self belief. You find yourself making excuses as to why you can’t start. You lack the right skills, you’re not ready, it’s not the right time etc.

The first thing to realise is that there is never a right time. If you lack skills start anyway and learn as you go along. Many successful entrepreneurs start this way.

Break your goal up into small bite size goals or tasks. Focus only on one task at a time, and DON’T move on to the next one until you finish the first. It’s a good idea to set deadlines for each task, as even if they take longer than you planned, at least you’ll have a structure in place.

It will also stop procrastination as taking longer on one task will give you less time to complete the next one. You’ll soon get behind with your work unless you have complete focus on each goal. As a result you’ll be less inclined to keep checking email or Facebook.

Motivation and goal setting

Creating goals isn’t enough, you MUST have a strong enough motivation to keep going after the first few setbacks, or despite any negativity.

This is why it’s important to have a strong reason for doing it in the first place.

Before you start You need to work out exactly what your goal is and what you have to do to achieve it. Being vague won’t get you anywhere, and the chances of achieving a goal you’re not really sure about is very slim.

Setbacks are inevitable, but it’s not the setback itself you need to worry about, it’s how you react to it. In the case of losing weight, it’s not uncommon to gain back a few pounds, so keeping the end goal in mind, and the reason for doing it is important.

The power of visualization

Visualization can help transform a goal from an idea into reality. Seeing and feeling the emotion of the end result is very powerful. Thoughts are energy, and everything in the universe is created from energy. By focusing on your goal and acting as if you’ve already achieved it you’re helping to manifest it into the physical world.

This is how the law of attraction works. Unfortunately many people focus on what they don’t want, and As a result end up manifesting that instead.

It doesn’t matter how many times you fail, as long as you continue to work to a plan of action you will get there.

Often things take longer, or don’t always go to plan, so you can’t be too rigid in your timing. Doing something consistently every day may sound boring but in a few weeks or months when you start to see results you’ll be glad you didn’t quit!

Take care
Kathy
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How To Achieve Your Goals