Goal setting, as common as it might sound, not a lot people really know what it entails. And even fewer quite get down to the business of organizing their desires and ambitions into a workable strategy that guarantees success at the end of the day. So, at the close of each day, at the end of every year there are always two groups of people: those who want to succeed and those who actually succeed. Trust me, the latter group makes up only about 0.0001 percent of the world population. But even more interesting is the fact that everybody is at liberty to belong to any of the two groups. Which is it going to be for you?
Of course I can imagine your answer. You might want to know that those who actually succeed do things in a certain way that brings about success with a mathematical certainty, and goal setting is just the beginning. If you get this right, it works for you on three levels: first, you know exactly what you want; second, you know precisely how to get it; and third, you naturally go for it.
It is often said that the most difficult part of anything is the beginning. Now, I’m going to show you how to trick yourself to begin anything and succeed with a mathematical certainty.
- 1st lesson: Writing down Your Goal in a Certain Way
A good number of people already know the importance of writing down goals. The simple mechanical act of writing makes your goal visible and tangible: It’s no longer just a thought; it’s a commitment. But there’s a trick to it, and only few know it.
As a rule—and the most important one, too:
“It’s not enough to write your goal down;
You have to describe it in complete detail”
For instance:
“I want to make a lot of money” is more of a wish than a goal.
“I want to make ten thousand naira with my business by 30th October”. This is what a typical goal looks like.
Note: The idea in writing down your goal is to make it visible. Therefore, be sure that it’s legible enough and placed where you can’t miss it. You can stick it on your computer; print out to fit 4×6 picture frame, then frame it and put it on your desk top; or print it on your business card and put it on your wallet.
Surround yourself with little reminders of your goal, say related pictures. It’ll help you stay focused.
- 2nd lesson: The One Question You Must Ask Yourself Before You Take Action
Unless you can answer this question, you may find yourself burnt out even before you can start. Take a piece of paper and answer the question in writing:
WHY do you want to achieve your goal?
There definitely must be reasons behind your dreams. List every single reason, and try to imagine all the benefits. This way you most likely stick to the plan.
Note: To keep you focused and motivated everyday, read these reasons to yourself first thing in the morning.
- 3rd lesson: How to Trick yourself into Finally Getting Started, Working on Your Goal and Staying on Track until the Goal is Accomplished
It’s only human to say, “Gosh! I don’t think I have the energy for this right now……I think I’ll do it tomorrow. After all, today, tomorrow……it makes no difference”. But the truth is tomorrow never comes.
Another day comes and I think next week will be fine. And then another week runs by, and I’m getting guiltier. Then I’m finally depressed because I can’t just get myself to work on this BIG goal.
You ever found yourself in a situation like this before?
If yes, here’s a small trick to get you on your way. It doesn’t matter how big your goal is.
Every night, write down a Small Task for the next day.
Make it as tiny as you can; something that would take between 10 and 15 minutes. The time may be short, but the idea is to get you out of you comfort zone. Getting started is always the most difficult part of any goal. The trick of one small task a day helps you leap the huddle. And once you start, you’ll find out you won’t mind doing more than you actually planned for the day; and the more you do, the better you feel—you won’t feel guilty and depressed.
Dream big, set big goals, but always start small.
- 4th lesson: The One Technique That Helps You Overcome Procrastination
Keeping a personal success journal, just 10 minutes of writing down the achievements and tasks you have accomplished each day, has the power to transform all your life. Alas, again, only few people know this.
Success journal motivates you, allowing you feel the progress and see how you inch closer to your goal. Success journal eliminates temptation so you can’t put off a task, knowing you have to write down what you have done for the day. Success journal simplifies your life—things are simpler when written down; a journal makes you more tolerant of life’s distractions.
Note: There are three rules for keeping a success journal—
- Write only what you have done. Not what you’ll do tomorrow or what haven’t done.
- List daily accomplishments to the smallest detail—even little sacrifices or seemingly insignificant but related decisions. Thinking of your goal is part of it, too.
- Make it a daily habit. Even if you’re exhausted, 1 or 2 sentences will do.
- 5th lesson: The Secret Formula that Helps You Define the Perfect Moment to Start Working on Your Goal
I’ll give it to you straight.
The Perfect Moment=NOW
So, get up and start doing something.
- 6th lesson: Becoming the Productive and Effective Person Who Gets Things Done
The next time you catch yourself trying to put of an important task, grab a piece of paper and answer these three simple questions:
- Where are you now, and what are you doing?
- What do you want to do?
- How will you feel doing it?
While you answer the second question, you will begin imagine yourself doing the task. And even before you finish the last question, you’ll be itching to get on with it.
A simple technique, but works like magic.
- 7th lesson: Even Boring Tasks Can Be Fun, Shooting Your Productivity To 125%
Certain task could be really monotonous and boring. But to spice it up and enjoy it,
Make a game out of it! Challenge yourself!
For instance, time yourself, and keep trying to improve on your time. Break and set new records for yourself. With time you’ll notice you’re getting more work done in less amount of time. That is efficiency.
Well, good luck with your goals!
