“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Most people move through life using what the late Jim Rohn described as the cross-finger approach. This is where they just cross their fingers and hope for the best! However, the cross-finger approach isn’t the most effective method to achieve success. As a matter of fact, the best way to ensure success in any area of your life is to set goals. Would you like to lose weight? Set a goal. Would you like to learn a foreign language? Set a goal. Would you like to be more productive at work or at building your business? Yep, you guessed it. Set a goal. But don’t just set it and forget it. Write it down and put it where you see it at least twice daily.
It has been shown time and time again, those who set and work toward goals are far more productive, far more successful, and even far more financially secure than those who do not set goals. Does it sound like I’m trying to sell you on goal-setting? You bet I am. The most successful achievers of all time made it a point to set goals, review goals, and pursue goals.
Great Things Happen
I have found that when you set goals, 5 things happen:
Clarity-When you write down a goal, you get a clear picture of what you want to accomplish
Focus-When you write down a goal, you are able to eliminate distraction and focus on the exact things needed to do in order to achieve your goal.
Action-When you write down a goal, you are more inclined to take actionable steps to achieve the goal. It’s the exact opposite of not having a plan, which leads to stagnation or hesitation.
Increased Productivity-When you write down your goal and focus your efforts to achieve it, you eliminate dilly dally.
Greater sense of well-being-When you begin writing down your goals and moving forward, you will begin to notice your self-confidence will improve, leading to greater sense of well-being, which leads to more success in other areas of your life.
S.M.A.R.T. Method
Heres a little trick to goal-setting. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals.
S-specific
M-measurable
A-attainable
R-relevant
T-time-bound
You want your goal to be as specific as possible:
I want to lose weight-Bad
I have lost 10 pounds by next Friday-Good
You want your goal to be measurable:
I have lost weight by November 25-Bad
I have lost 10 pounds by November 25-Good
You definitely want your goal to be attainable.
I have lost 100 pounds by next week-Bad
I will have lost 1.5 pounds per week over the next 12 weeks-Good
Your goal should be relevant. How does it serve you?
This goal helps me because_________.
You want to your goal to be Time-Bound. When you give your goal a deadline, it makes it that much more clear and creates urgency to get it done.
(I will have lost 3 pounds by next Saturday)
If you are ready to begin taking great strides in your own life, I strongly suggest you start writing down your goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method, reviewing them at least twice daily, and then breaking down the goals into small action items so as to not be overwhelmed. Then go for it! In order for things to change, you have to change. Try goal-setting and watch your life take off!
Are you ready to crush some major health goals? Have you been wanting to get in the best shape of your life? Click on the Book Appointment link at the top of the page and select “free initial consultation” and talk over the phone with one of our providers about your goals and let us help you achieve them. Reach out today!
