Sadly not very many people have any real goals. Most of us go about our daily routine, without giving any thought to any goals.

 

We don’t attempt even the smallest of construction jobs without a plan, and yet many people work in a field they just happened to “fall in to” because someone suggested it, or a friend was doing it, or even worse—they didn’t have anything else to do.  Not having a goal or plan in your life is like driving a car with no steering wheel. You are not in charge; you will end up wherever the it goes. People without goals tend to let other people or circumstances control their lives.

 

We don’t attempt even the smallest of construction jobs without a plan, and yet many people work in a field they just happened to “fall in to” because someone suggested it, or a friend was doing it, or even worse — they didn’t have anything else to do. 

 

 

Many people say they have goals, but are sadly mistaking. They may say things like: “I have always wanted to learn to play golf.”or “I would like a nicer car.” or “I want a larger paycheck.” or “Someday I’d love to learn to speak Hindi”. When these things do not happen, they tend to blame on bad luck or someone else. They might also make excuses like: not enough skills, no time, they are broke, their friends or family wouldn’t understand, etc. What they do not realize is they are not achieving their “so-called” goals because they are not goals at all; they are merely wishes and dreams.

 

Turning dreams into goals requires specific actions. A goal is so much more they a wish or a dream. A goal needs to be specific. A dream becomes a goal when action is taken.

 

We need to ask these questions:

 

Is it your goal? Is it something you passionately really want? How would reaching your goal make you feel? Close your eyes and concentrate on that for a few minutes.

 

Exactly what is your goal? Write your goal down to the last detail. If your goal is a nicer house, write down where it is located, how many rooms does it have? Does it have a garden? And so on. If your goal is to visit Alaska, write down what you plan to do there, how long you would stay, where would you stay, etc. If it is to earn more money, write down exactly how much down to the last dollar.

 

Write down a time limit. Exactly when do you intend to reach your goal? For example: I am going get my degree by June 13th.

 

You first goals should be achievable. Now that you have decided on the final date, your next step is to make an action plan. Large goals must be broken down into manageable pieces. 

Take your main goal and break it up to smaller parts. Set time limits on all your sub goals leading up to your main goal.

 

Make a list of obstacles. Be prepared for what may have to be overcome to reach your goal. If you’re not aware of potential problems, you’ll be side-tracked when they arise and lose sight of your objective.

 

Brainstorm. Make a list of everything you can think of that needs to be done to reach your goal. Don’t worry if that list is small to start out with. When you start working towards your goal, your list will certainly grow. You will find a way to learn the skills you need as you work towards your goal.

 

Read your goal or goal out loud at least twice every day. Read your “to do” list every day.

 

“Genius” has been described as the “ability to focus on one thing at a time.”  Many people who are “geniuses” are so not only because they have a high intellect, but because they are a gift of being able to focus on the objective or goal at hand. 

 

This same focus must come in to play when determining what your goals are in relation to success.  You need to learn to work towards one major objective and juggle a few short- and mid-range goals at the same time. 

 

Start today. Take charge of your life. In order to reach your goal, you must stay focused. Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady, once said: “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan”.