Don’t let Dreams Just Be Dreams!

Creating goals can be fun. Accomplishing those goals is a blast! But the work between those two points is the hardest part. Most of us draft our business plans or write out our goals at the beginning of the year but forget to review them to find out whether they have achieved until the beginning of another new year.

If yyou want to succeed, you need to set goals. Without goals you lack focus and direction. Goal setting not only allows you to take control of your life’s direction. It also provides you a benchmark for determining whether you are actually succeeding. It’s a good time to reflect how the past year went and what we hope to achieve come the new year

To accomplish your goals, however, you need to know how to set them. You can’t simply say, “I want” and expect it to happen. Goal setting is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve. It ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it. In between, there are some very well-defined steps that transcend the specifics of each goal. Knowing these steps will allow you to formulate goals that you can accomplish.

Understand Why This Goal Is Important

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to achieving our goals are ourselves. Don’t think you’re going to win that new client? Don’t think you’re going to hit a six or seven-figure sales goal this year? Then you likely won’t. If you think your goals are achievable, you’ll work harder to reach them. Negative talk is self-defeating.

Your mindset ensures you have the skills to think correctly. That includes; attitude,resilience and capacity to be the person you need to be to achieve the goal you set your mind to. Believe in yourself,have confidence and manage fears that knows how to win.

4. Minimize other types of distractions.

Find ways to shut out other distractions such as social media notifications, personal phone calls and appointments except from emergencies. Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it, even if no one is there to supervise you.

5. Play the role.

Think about who you want to be. How will that new-and-improved version of yourself act? How will you think, speak and live? Chances are, you’ll want to portray yourself as a humble yet confident person. Sit up straight rather than slouch. Look others in the eye and listen to what they say rather than gaze into the distance or let your mind wander. Be deliberate about the words you use. If you can learn from others, make a good impression and discipline yourself to show the world your true aspirations, success will more likely follow.

6. Stop Procrastinating.

You might embark on a given task only to find yourself wandering over to the fridge, checking email or Googling symptoms of an obscure illness (we’ve all been there). While procrastination may seem inevitable, try the 15-minute rule: Set a timer for 15 minutes, and commit to working on something you’ve been putting off for ages. Who knows? You might gain some momentum and not feel like stopping once the time is up.

7. Find People to help you.

No matter how driven you are, you can’t achieve success alone. Even if someone else isn’t aiding you directly, it’s helpful to establish a few individuals whom you can emulate, who will inspire you to persevere or hold you accountable.

For example, a mentor can dispense valuable advice so that you won’t have to learn basic lessons the hard way. You might benefit from a sidekick or cheerleader to keep you motivated and hold you accountable. Find specific people who can help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

8. Conduct Periodic Progress check-ins.

You have to make time to consistently evaluate yourself to make sure that you’re on track. You might do this once you’ve achieved smaller goals that will build toward a larger one, or if you’ve given yourself a deadline.

9. Motivate Yourself with Rewards.

Once you’ve achieved mini milestones, you’ll have an additional incentive to persevere aside from the big goal in and of itself. Whatever the case, make sure your reward system is enticing enough to motivate you to work hard, but modest enough to be sustainable in the long run.

10. Review your Goals.