We all set goals for ourselves in life and many also make determined efforts to achieve them. Everyone has different goals- while someone may want to start a business and become famous, another person may dream of running a 25 km marathon. But there are times when our resolve wanes and we just don’t feel that we will be able to achieve the things we have set out to do and your aspirations and dreams go unrealised.
Steps to Take
Here are some steps to ensure that you take the action required to achieve your goals:
Step #1 Prioritise
You may have scores of things on your wish list in terms of the goals you want to achieve. But it’s important that you do not overload yourself. Learn to prioritise and decide which goals are the most important at any given point of time. Choose attainable goals that fit in with your talents and lifestyle as well as your personality. Do not chase a goal only because you “feel” you have to do it
Step #2 Get specific
Many of us tend to make very broad declarations about the things we want out of life and say things like- “I want to be the person who makes a difference to people’s lives” or “I want to make heaploads of money” etc. These goals are not tangible and are extremely vague and that is exactly what makes them very hard to achieve.
It’s important that you be specific about your goals, and that will take you closer to achieving them. For instance, if you know that you want to make a lot of money- start thinking about “how” you can go about doing that.
Step #3 Research your Goal
If you want to be able to get somewhere; it’s also very important for you to understand how you are going to get there. Regardless of what your goal & ambition is, there will be someone who has already achieved it and more. Do some research on the internet, read books or take a course on that particular subject. If possible, try to get in touch with the people who have achieved that same ambition- it will create a better foundation for your goals and will help you get there sooner.
Step #4 Break it Down
When you look at your goal, it may seem overwhelming and you may just wonder about how you are going to achieve it. It’s important that you take baby steps before you learn to run. Break your broader ambition into smaller goals. This makes it seem more achievable and you are able to work towards it with more gusto.
Step #5 Create a Plan of Action
This should have a short & long-term plan and there should be step-by-step notes about how you are going to get there. Once you have achieved one goal- simply tick it and then move onto the next one. You may encounter hurdles along the way such as financial restraints or lack of time. Try to ascertain how you can work around these things.
Believe in Yourself
All these steps will help you get the wheels into motion, and very soon you will find that you are able to achieve those little goals that you had set for yourself. The minute you stop putting them off for a better time and stop making excuses why this is not the right time to tackle something, you will find that you are actually catching-up with your dreams and that they are more within reach. Even as you do all these things, never stop believing in yourself and your ability to achieve those final goals that you have set out to do.
Take Action Now
Just having confidence in yourself can go a long way in spurring you into action. Stay away from pessimistic people and think positive. Talk to close friends and acquaintances about your goals. You may feel that it’s a foolish thing to do, but the fact is that the more people you talk to about your ambitions, the more committed you will be to those ambitions. Keep some scope to reassess your goals along the way, alter them if you have to- be flexible- that is the best way to take action and achieve your goals!!
Thanks for reading,
MaxMyProfit Corporate Australia
(02) 9111 5000
About the Author
Ben Fewtrell is a sought-after Business Coach, Keynote Speaker and trainer who has featured in Virgin’s Inflight Magazine and Entertainment Portal, SKY Business and “Secrets of Top Business Builders Exposed”. He is also the host of the popular Business Brain Food Podcast where he interviews leading experts on anything and everything business.