5 Keys to Attaining Your Goals


by Melani Ward - Date: 2006-12-17 - Word Count: 698 Share This!

1. Write them down. This is a powerful practice and one that will put you closer to attaining your goals. When you write them down, you own them and the more you write them down, the more they become a part of you. Write them down at least 15 times a day. It may feel strange at first but it is also a good idea to write them down in the present tense. So, instead of writing "I will lose 10 pounds", write "I am 10 pounds thinner and I feel fantastic". Keep your thoughts completely positive. Envision your self reaching your goal and as you go through your day ask yourself if what you are doing is keeping you on the path toward reaching it. Remain focused and place your energy and attention on what you want. It will come.

2. Identify small goals and action plans that will move you toward your larger goals. For example, you may have a goal of earning $100,000 next year in your business. First, create smaller goals and an action plan for the next month. What do you need to achieve this month in order to stay on track? At the end of the month, review what you have done and celebrate what you have accomplished. Then review your goal for the year and if you need to revamp it, do so. Do this every month and stay focused. The more you know, the better you will do and the more you live with your goal, the more real it will become.

3. Throw out the old goals. If you have a goal that continues to show up on your list every time you make one and it has been showing up for over 6 months, throw it out. It is probably not a goal you really want to attain but rather a "should". Many people come to me with goals that they say they have always wanted to reach; however, if they really wanted to reach the goal, they would have done so already. Take those goals off your list and get rid of all of the "shoulds". It is possible that one of your "shoulds" is a reasonable goal, but you need to take break from it and go back to it when you are ready to do the work. Finally, make sure all of your goals are things you want to do and you want to accomplish. If you see something on the list that your parents or your boyfriend or significant other wants you to accomplish, take it off. You will only work toward and accomplish goals that mean something to you.

4. Tell people. Have you ever noticed that as soon as you tell someone of a goal you are hoping to achieve it becomes more real? By telling someone, you are instituting a level of accountability you don't have when you just mull them over in your head. Another benefit of telling someone is you never know how they might help you. They may have a similar goal and ask you to buddy up to help each other achieve it. They may know someone who could help you achieve what you want. Or, they may just be the type of person who motivates you and encourages you to reach it. Just be sure that you are selective in the people you tell. Tell people you trust and whose only hope is to see you succeed, no matter what.

5. Set up a reward system for yourself. Working towards a goal is hard work. Some people find that knowing they will have a little reward at the end drives them even further. However, make sure the goal is a real reward and not something that will sabotage your progress. For example, if you are trying to lose weight and after 2 months you have lost 10 pounds, don't reward yourself with a piece of cake. Reward yourself with a new pair of pants or new running shoes. If you are trying to watch your finances and go on a money diet, don't reward yourself with a new sweater. Do something small for yourself and congratulate yourself on your accomplishment.


Related Tags: success, results, goals, accomplish, reach

Melani Ward is a successful career & life coach and entrepreneur. To read more tips and techniques like the ones in this article, please go to: http://www.coachmelani.typepad.com or http://www.mhcareercoaching.com

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