5 Steps on How to Set and Achieve Your Goals

Which one is a goal?

  • I will lose 15 pounds
  • I want to run a marathon
  • Quit smoking
  • All of the above
  • None of the above

    • The correct answer is (5) - none of the above. The first three are wishes, not goals. However, you are not alone if you answered incorrectly because research has shown that less than 1% of the population actually understands how to effectively set a goal. This is why so many New Year's resolutions get broken and why so many people try keep failing at the very same goal. The desire to better ourselves is genuine, but the process we go about while seeking this desire is faulty.

    Here are five steps to follow when setting an effective goal:

    1) Your Goal MUST be meaningful to YOU
    This means that you have to be the person to create it - not your spouse or employer. Make sure that the things you are investing your time and energy into are things you are passionate about. When you achieve it, you will be fired up about it.

    2) Make your goals specific (quantifiable) and measurable (end date)
    I will lose 15 pounds by October 31st, 2004 is a goal because you will know at the end of the time period if you did it or did not achieve it. Many people do not give themselves an end date because they are afraid of failure. In addition, not having an end date allows you to procrastinate.

    3) Make your goals the right size
    Goals should cause you to stretch and grow, but not be unrealistic. For instance, earning one million dollars your first year out of college has been done, but for most it is unrealistic. On the flip side, if your goal is to run a mile in 6:59 versus 7 minutes, you have not pushed yourself enough. Also, focus on a few achievable tasks at one time and move on as you reach them.

    4) An Effective Goal is always written down

    This is extremely helpful and essential because there will be times when you goals will make you uncomfortable and you may lose site of them. When this happens, you need to have them written down to keep yourself on track and accountable. Posting your goals on the refrigerator, bulletin board, or in your planner ensures that you will be reminded of them on a daily basis.

    5) Review them on a weekly basis
    You must review your goal in order to stay on track. Reviewing them causes you to commit to their achievement.

    The positive results of achieving any goal are unforgettable. An individual's failure to achieve is seldom because they are incompetent. Rather, it is because they simply do not know the process of success. Follow these guidelines, be patient, and celebrate your success to come.

    Eric Plantenberg, President of Freedom Speakers and Trainers, currently trains professionals across the country in memory, goal setting, attitude, time management, and effective communications. His newest program, P.A.C.T., is an intensive one-on-one twelve week personal coaching program designed for those who are serious about their success. Please click here for more information on Eric http://www.deliverfreedom.com/speakers_eric. html or Freedom Speakers and Trainers http://www.deliverfreedom.com Call 888-233-0407 x112 email eric@deliverfreedom.com

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Communication Skills & Leadership - Organizational Communications Processes in Leadership Activity

    "Sooth 't were a pleasant life to lead, With nothing... Read More

    Two Leadership Traps: How To Get Out Of Them and How To Avoid Them (Part 1)

    You've heard of the Peter Principle: "People are promoted to... Read More

    Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 6, Deadlocked Discussions

    Although a meeting is a vehicle for resolving differences, it... Read More

    Leadership and Change in a Holographic Universe

    Have you ever noticed that since the early part of... Read More

    Premature Articulation

    Ask anyone about what makes a good leader and they... Read More

    Are You a Good Manager or a Great Leader?

    Your word is your truth - Know that when you... Read More

    The Essence of Leadership

    What is more important, leadership or teamwork? Leadership or consensus... Read More

    The Sink Or Swim Approach To Leadership

    Looking around in most corporate environments today you'll find mission,... Read More

    Leadership Skills - 10 Ways to Beef Up

    10 Ways to Beef Up Your Leadership SkillsHave you ever... Read More

    The Best Ways To Multiply The Extraordinary Leadership in Your Organization

    Extraordinary Leaders are those who understand that in order for... Read More

    Leadership Development for Success

    In today's highly competitive world, there is a lot of... Read More

    10 Attributes of Effective Strategic Leaders!

    Did you know that people who lead strategically resemble fine-tuned... Read More

    Leadership Tips From My Dad

    Lee (L.B.) Weiss (Sept. 21/25 ? April 30/82)My dad has... Read More

    What Kind of Leader Are You?

    There are literally millions of words written and spoken each... Read More

    Value Driver Leadership

    CHAPTER 1 ************ VALUEThose qualities regarded by a person or... Read More

    Teen View of Leadership From Around the World

    It has been stated that the world of tomorrow will... Read More

    Business Leadership: How Much is in Your Credibility Bank Account?

    Business leaders have more than a title on their doors.... Read More

    The Metamorphosis of the Successful Executive . . . Overcoming Professional Stagnation

    You're a bright, successful business executive making good money and... Read More

    The Three Faces of Leadership

    This article was published in the Nov. 2003 edition of... Read More

    Is Your Life Ready For Groundhog Day?

    In the hit comedic movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray's character,... Read More

    Leadership In The Zone!

    "You do not merely want to be considered just the... Read More

    10 Ways to Develop Your Latent Leader

    latent (adj.) ? Not visible or apparent, but capable of... Read More

    The Three Essential Attributes of a Leader: The Demonstrated Abilities

    Leaders need to:1. Have a vision to which they are... Read More

    Get What You Want - Negotiating Skills for the Timid!

    OK, I know this title sounds self-serving and hard nosed,... Read More

    A Lasting Leadership Lesson: How One Leadership Talk By George Washington Saved The Revolution

    A Lasting Leadership Lesson: How One Leadership Talk By George... Read More

    Three Factors Of Leadership Motivation

    Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you... Read More

    What Every Manager Should Know About How to See the Talents of Effective Leaders

    An organization of any size, from the family to the... Read More

    The Three Factors of Leadership Motivation

    Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you... Read More

    Why Not Lead With Emotions?

    Studies have shown that companies that have acquired competencies to... Read More

    Ten Characteristics of Leadership

    Many people are interested in the characteristics of a great... Read More

    C4 Leadership: Taking Your Leadership (and your Life) from Good...To Explosive!

    Chances are if you're interested in this post, you're looking... Read More

    10 Smart Ways Leaders Can Bring Out the Best in Others

    You are a leader. Everyone is a leader. It doesn't... Read More

    Ten Qualities Of A Great Leader - Plus 1

    Great Leaders are optimists first and foremost. Their tendency is... Read More