Melissa was missing a goal. She was trying to achieve a vague dream without a map or action plan to reach it.
There’s no big secret to achieving what you want to in life. The way to make your goals realities is by empowering yourself with intellectual, emotional, and practical tools and converting them into habits. Here are the seven tools you need to achieve your professional or personal goals:
1. Define your dream.
Many of us dream about earning more money, getting that promotion, or changing careers. Have you ever asked yourself why it is that once you have the additional money, the new position, or a different career, you still aren’t happy?
The reason is probably that you haven’t defined what your dream really is. It might not be the extra cash but the means to surround your family with comfort. It might not be about getting promoted but about being recognized for a job well done. Perhaps you changed careers because you thought that a new career would give you the excitement and enthusiasm you had lost.
It’s not until you know what your dream truly is that you will be able to do the work necessary to achieve it and receive the satisfaction and rewards you deserve. Now, without censoring yourself, say out loud, “My dream is _____.”
2. Convert your dream into a goal.
The difference between a dream and a goal is a written date. Writing down a specific goal and a date forces us to do things we might never have done otherwise. It permits us to measure our progress and keeps us focused on reaching that dream.
Get a pen and paper and write down your specific dream or goal along with the date when you are going to achieve it. If you won’t commit to paper and pen, you won’t be able to commit to the reality of accomplishing the task when faced with challenges. Write it down in your calendar or PDA so that you can keep track of your progress and make the efforts necessary to reach it.
3. Write your goal on Post-it notes, and put them everywhere.
Each morning and evening before you go to sleep, read your goal. Envision yourself as that successful person. Feel the luxury of that new car. Smell the ocean from your dream vacation. See yourself sitting at the desk of your own company. Make that goal yours in your mind. When you write down your goal, make sure that it is specific and motivates you.
Here’s an example:
“On April 30, 2008, I, Henry Smith, have been promoted to regional sales manager. I am in charge of a productive sales team, where each member is respectful of my position. My job is fulfilling and challenges me. I have the ability to balance the life I have at work and the life I have at home. I feel confident, secure, and free to be myself.”
4. Make a list of your assets and resources.
Your assets can include your education, experience, or personality; they can include the people you know, your bank account, your personal appearance, or even your car. If you have a hard time coming up with your assets, ask your friends, colleagues, and family about your good qualities.
In Henry’s pursuit of a promotion to regional sales manager, he might say he is hardworking, determined, honest, organized, and intelligent. He also has a good sense of humor and likes people. All of these qualities would be good for a manager.
Your resources, such as the people you know, your education, and your experience, can help you achieve your goal. Henry knows that his neighbor, Sam, works in the same industry. He’s talked to him about sports but has never brought up talk about their industry or asked how Sam got to his position as vice president. Perhaps Sam would be willing to help or knows someone who could. Your education is another resource. Does your school have an alumni association or networking events that you can attend? Do you need additional education to make your goal a reality?
5. Write down the obstacles.
The moment you set a goal, you and others will find a million reasons you can’t or shouldn’t go after it. Contrary to what a popular book says, you will not attract obstacles or naysayers just because you are aware of them. In fact, preempting barriers will facilitate your recognizing them when they occur and prevent you from using them as excuses to desist.
For example, Henry’s obstacle list might include the following:
- “I am afraid of failure.”
- “I am too old for the job, and no one will promote me.”
- “I am too busy with my home life to put the time into getting promoted.”
- “I am not experienced enough to lead a large staff.”
6. Write down why you want this goal.
Do you deserve to be happy and have what you want? What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve it? Do you want this more than anything else, and are you willing to face anything to achieve it? If your “why” isn’t strong enough, you will not achieve your goal and will be able to blame the perceived obstacles.
Your “why” should look something like this:
“I want to become regional vice president because I want to be proud of my accomplishments. I want my family and friends to feel happy about my achievements. I want to do more for myself and my family, and by accomplishing this goal, I can provide them with the lifestyle they deserve.”
7. Write your action plan.
A book is read from the first page to the last, but goals are set from the end and work up to the beginning. Where do you want to be in 20 years, 10 years, three years, one year, a month from now?
Most of us spend our time putting out fires, helping others, and dealing with life’s daily activities, many of which have nothing to do with our dreams. From now on, I want you to focus, focus, focus. Everything you do should lead you to achieving your goal. Notice how you spend your money and what percentage goes toward achieving that goal.
Now you know what your goal really is; you have written down the exact date and possess a strong action plan. Who do you have to call? What do you have to read? What do you have to buy? Who do you have to be so that you can take back your power? Guess what? It’s no secret…you are already that person. It’s just a matter of time!
About the Author
Linda Nacif, author of Jump and the Joy Will Follow: How to Live in Conscious Joy and Health in Every Stage of Life, is a bilingual author and speaker with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Through Linda’s breakthrough techniques and passionate communication, she encourages clients to dare to go beyond their comfort zones by being adventurous, fit, and enthusiastic. For information on her keynotes and seminars, visit www.lindanacif.com or call 619-733-2071.
