By Rhonda Armbrust
How are you going with your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re like most of us, you’re probably finding that you haven’t accomplished everything you had hoped for, announcing all your resolutions and goals at the beginning of the year to family and friends after a couple of cocktails and temporary inspiration. But, before you give up and decide it’s all too hard, just know you’re not alone and there are ways to get back on track.
But why is this important anyways? Having goals and dreams is essential to personal development, whether it be for business, fitness, relationships, or just fun accomplishments. Although the journey to completing our goals isn’t always easy, having goals is absolutely worth it because it gives us purpose, aligns us in the right direction, and provides overall clarity of what we want next. Over 2000 years ago, Aristotle said "Well begun is half done." And with regards to goals, he's right. Paying attention to how we set our goals gives us a greater possibility to achieve them. Establishing a goal is a powerful first step up the mountain to success.
Follow along with the following process that most experts agree on to reach your goals.
Write your goal down and put it where you see it often, like taped to your mirror. This act convinces and reminds your subconscious mind that you are serious.
Determine an approximate date when you will accomplish your goal and the steps required to reach it.
Evaluate and improve your skill set by taking a course, researching, becoming an intern, or whatever is necessary.
Do at least one thing each day toward reaching your goal and track your progress by journaling or another method. According to Loretta Breuning, author of 'Habits of a Healthy Brain', the happiness hormone dopamine is released each time you take a step toward your goal.
Identify potential obstacles and a plan to address them if they occur.
Most goals require some level of perseverance. Sticking with the steps to achieve your goals, especially after setbacks, can be challenging. So a big part of the process is maintaining a healthy dose of motivation. Ways to do that include setting daily or weekly objectives, organizing your time accordingly, and rewarding yourself for successes along the way. Review and adjust your goals frequently, and engage with mentors who hold you accountable and keep you on track. Surround yourself with positive role models and knowledgeable people in your area of interest. The important thing is to set a goal and be persistent. Like Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”
Finding your passion can be a goal in itself and might involve trying things that don’t work for you. Changing your goals is not a failure. Focus on the prize and keep searching until you discover what gets you going. Living your passion is like taking a daily motivation pill, making sticking with the program much easier.
Don’t worry if your goals don’t seem realistic to others. Instead, think about the 83-year-old Japanese man who sailed by himself non-stop across the Pacific Ocean, the Wright Brothers who built and flew the first airplane, or Milo of Croton, the ancient Greek wrestling champion who ran a mile carrying an ox on his shoulders. I can imagine the shaking heads, laughter, and criticism they must have endured before proving they could do it.
The world will tell you to be realistic about setting goals. But many successful people have reached unrealistic goals. Don’t let fear or naysayers stop you. Humans can achieve remarkable things when believing they can. That said, it is also okay to set realistic goals.
People often define success by the amount of money you make or the fame you achieve. However, the joy, fulfillment, and sense of accomplishment you experience when reaching a goal is a good determiner of success. So follow your dreams and enjoy the journey.
Best Life-ing has helped many people reach their dreams & goals. Learn what they can do for you at Best Life-ing.