Setting goals is essential to success. Our brain is designed to set and achieve goals. In fact it’s a goal seeking organism. Not having a goal is like a ship without a rudder, drifting from place to place, and being tossed about by the storms.
When you set goals you are able to identify what you want and focus your efforts. The next step is to write down your goals. Writing it down, is as important as any other step in your goal achieving journey. By writing it down, a part of your brain, the Reticular Activating System, gets activated and starts to focus on what you want and filter out messages/ stimuli that you don't.
Ever noticed how when you feel like an ice cream, you 'suddenly' notice a bill board on the highway advertising a delicious Cornetto, or the radio is playing an ad for the new 'death by choclate' Magnum... This is your Reticular Activating System at work, helping you to achieve your goals.
There are only 6 months left of 2012. You have a choice about how the next 6 will go. Challenge yourself and dare to dream. Set inspiring goals, that when it comes to the end of 2012, you are able to look back and say "that was a great year".
If you have never set inspiring goals before, or lost yours along the way, here are 7 simple steps to get you started;
1. Set SMART Goals - specific, measurable, attainable, resonant and thrilling.
2. Visualize how it will feel when you achieve your goal. Imagine in great detail using all your senses, the experience of achieving your goal.
3. Stretch yourself by setting big and audacious goals. Don't be afraid to dream. Whatever sends shivers down your spine, or keeps you awake with excitement - these are goals worth achieving.
4. Get support. You cannot do it alone. Ask for help from friends, your partner or even a professional.
5. Break it down into manageable steps. See the big picture, but focus on what is in front of you. Looking at the end result can be daunting. Take it day by day and you will get there.
6. Have fun. Enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Don't be a misery to be around, have fun along the way.
7. Be kind to yourself. You will stumble and it's OK. Get up and try again, and again, and again. Achieving goals take persistence.
Written by Jacqui O’Bree (Fullife Coach www.fullife-coach.com)
Jacqui O’Bree is the owner of Fullife Coaching and a qualified Life Coach. Her vision is to help people live with Purpose, Passion and Possibility in both their personal and professional lives. Jacqui runs group workshops and offers one-on-one coaching, with a special focus on career, parenting, work/ life balance, and financial freedom. Jacqui is a regular contributor to magazines and a popular speaker at events. She resides in Fourways, Johannesburg. You can contact her on jacqui@fullife-coach.com or visit www.fullife-coach.com
