Goal Setting: Winning Ways That Work!

In life there are many reasons to set goals. However, when it comes to moving forward there are a few foundational facts that must be a part of your thinking and execution. Here are ten foundational facts to keep in mind as you position yourself to execute success in 2012.

Ten Foundational Facts for Effective Goal Setting

1. Effective goal setting begins with you choosing to “lead” your own life! Too often people let others or the circumstances of life determine their ultimate destinations. This does not have to be the case. You can choose your life and ultimately the outcome of your efforts. However, it begins with you deciding to “lead” and “make decisions” for your direction and goals.

2. Goal setting is a “process” not an “event.” I suspect we have all had the experience of sitting down in December or January to carve-out new goals for the next year. We spend time thinking and writing them down. [Which is a good thing to write them down!] However, when it comes to execution, the proverbial ball gets dropped. Many times this is a result of our thinking that goal setting is merely an event we perform at the beginning of the year rather than a process that goes on throughout the year. It is important to develop the right kinds of skills to “work this process.” [But that's for another article.]

3. Effective goal setting runs on designated tracks! Just like a powerful locomotive requires tracks to move forward, so do effective goals for your future. Too many times people simply write down on paper the first things that come to their mind and then move on. Real goal setting requires a great deal of thought and perspiration. Most people who set effective goals use the S.M.A.R.T. methodology of goal setting. [Specific - Measurable - Attainable - Relevant - Time Bound] These are specific tracks on which effective goal setting can help you move forward.

4. There are no “shortcuts” or “substitutes” for doing your homework! As mentioned in the previous point, the process of setting effective goals requires “work” on our part. There are numerous questions which should and must be asked in order to form a framework designed for success. [Way too many questions to position here.] Just two questions you must continually ask in building your future success are: (1) What do I know? and (2) What do I need to know? Too often we set off in a direction without doing the required homework.

5. There are no “quick fix” formulas for effective goal setting! Today, everyone want instant this and instant that. When it comes to goal setting, there are no instant effective results. I wish I could give you an ABC or 123 formula that if applied would bring you the success you deserve. However, there is no such formula. [If there was ... I'd write it down and be a billionaire.] Let me say it again … goal setting requires W-O-R-K!

6. Two Rules: (1) Be present! (2) Be intentional! An effective goal setter cannot merely go through the motions or have his/her mind some where else. They must concentrate and know the “reality” of their current situation. No need to begin from a place that does not exist. [I am all for positive thinking. However, you must choose your starting (present) location carefully. This means you must “choose” (intentional) your direction, destination and decisions carefully. We live in a world filled with the Law of Cause and Effect. Why not choose to be the cause that sets in motion the direction for your future success?

7. You must be “fierce” in asking questions and seeking answers! What in your life are you fierce about? I mean … something you will not let go of or allow to drift of course. Too often people approach goals with an attitude that says ….”Oh well, I’ll just do my best and if I don’t make it … no big deal!” That’s not right! That’s not effective goal setting! That’s just “spitting in the wind and hoping not to get hit!” Goal setting for your life and success should be something you get “fired-up” about! You should have a fire that continually burns in your life for moving forward. This begins by you asking tough questions of your life and circumstances.

8. Know this … The alternative to goal setting is drifting! The thing about drifting is that it is both delightful and dangerous. When we drift we merely go with the flow of life and enjoy the scenery. The problem with that is we often drift to destinations we never intended to be and places we are not equipped to handle. There are thousands of people who find their lives in places they never intended to see. Choose today to not drift, but to set some goals to move ahead in a definite direction.

9. Primary Enemy to Goal Setting: “Path of least resistance!” We all look for short-cuts and easy ways to do most things. However, when it comes to goal setting, we must not take the path of least resistance. The path of least resistance says … “just quickly write down a list of goals … don’t work so hard … you can adjust them later … don’t sweat it … You get the point! Effective goals … goals worth your sweat … always take sweat and hard work to clearly create! Choose today to not take the easy road, but do the hard work and find the results you deserve!

10. Your goal setting system must be one that works for you! There are hundreds of people who can tell you how to set goals and provide you lots of products to do so. However, at the end of the day, you must choose, implement and execute a goal setting system that works for you. Remember: You are the one who is tasked with the responsibility of reaching your goals and finding the success you want. Make sure the system works for you and WORK YOUR SYSTEM!