Achieving Our Goals
First of all, our goal must be conceivable. We must be able to identify what might be a first step. Most of our long term goals need to be broken down into smaller steps. Our focus should be on one step at a time, as to not feel overwhelmed. This technique also gives us a place to start and a specific end in sight. As each step is accomplished, you will feel success, and encouragement to continue.
Our goals should also be believable. We must truly believe we can accomplish the goal.
Goals should be achievable. We should be realistic in our expectations. For example, it would NOT be achievable for a person with no training to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating.
Our goals should be controllable. This means that the goals should be made with regard to what is in control of each individual. The goal should involve your own behavior and not be contingent on the behavior of others. For example, a goal to marry into royalty would require the agreement of another party and therefore is not controllable.
Goals should be measurable in both time and quantity. For example, it is better to set a goal of cleaning the bathroom and kitchen by Saturday than to say you want your whole house clean. It is easier to accomplish the goal if it is for a specific time and quantity than general. Again, break your goal into measurable steps.
Goals should be desirable. Our goals should reflect what we want to do as opposed to what we feel we have to do.
Goals should have no alternatives. This means the goal should be simply stated with no “I will do -------------OR --------------. Usually when an “or” is involved, the person ends up doing neither.
Most importantly, goals should always be for our growth, and not destructive to ourselves, others or society. Keep a positive attitude, keep focused on the goal, and you will feel successful in no time!
