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I have had a lot of motivational problems
When I was growing up motivation was a big problem for me. My view of life was that I would finish grade school, finish high school, finish college, work 40 years and then retire.
Not that fun a thought for a kid who’s most prominent dream was to get out of school and have fun.
I didn’t know about the possibilities we have and that I could create a life that gave me freedom.
My prospects where depressing, which is exactly what ruins motivation.
Goal Setting
Your motivation stands in direct relation to the clarity of your goals and how much you want to complete them.
When I realized there was more to life than just school and work followed by a tired retirement;
I started setting goals for myself that were a lot more motivating.
My motivation quickly started to increase and the clearer my goals got the more my motivation increased.
The 7 steps to goal setting
1. What are your long term goals for your health, family/relationships, career and in finances?
The answers to this question will be the base for your goal setting. Be honest, what do you really want. Don’t think about how to accomplish it yet. Focus on what inspires you.
2. What do you want your health, family/relationships, career and finances to look like in 12 months?
Short term goals are often very motivating and feel more tangible. Set goals you can believe in but that still motivate you.
3. Write down your goals in the positive, present tense as if you already completed them.
Seeing your goals as something you already posses makes them feel more tangible and activates your subconscious so that it believes it as well, which will cause it to start working on completing those goals.
4. Set deadlines for all your goals and add the deadline to the written goal.
When you have a deadline you have a target, you can follow you progress and you force yourself to work hard to complete your goals.
5. Listen to yourself.
Read your goals. How does it feel? Do you feel inspired? Motivated? Happy? Or anxious? Stressed? Sad?
If you feel positive emotions when looking at your goals, they are good goals, if not go back to the drawing board and set new goals for yourself.
It is important that you believe your goals to be possible, but that they motivate you to complete them.
6. Make a sketch plan
By creating a short plan on how you can accomplish your goals you have something to act on. You can start seeing the path infront of you and start acting on your goals.
It also works to push the goal even deaper into your subconscious.
7. Put your goals somewhere you will see them every day and read them daily.
The more you look at and visualize your goals, the more you will believe them.
When you start believing in your goals, you start making them a reality.
Conclusion
You can accomplish anything you can imagine and believe. Set your goals and stay tuned for the next part of this series and for your next motivational tip.
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Photo Credit: 劉小堯
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Without goals we tend to wander through life aimlessly.
Great little quote Justin.
It is so true, that is how I felt until I set my first goals.
The difference it makes is incredible.
What has been your experience with goal setting?
Daniel,
I have always achieved any goal that I intentionally set out to do. With me it’s a matter of intent or why I want to achieve something.
Some goals manifest quicker than others though.
That is impressive Justin.
What kind of goals have you set for yourself?
Do you use this same method for goal setting or do you have a different way of doing it?
Daniel,
It’s very similar to Steve Pavlina’s ready fire aim approach. When I want something I charge full steam ahead and any type of blocks in my way are broken.
After I have broken through and achieved the goal I will go back and tweak what needs to be done.
Goals are an everyday occurrence for me.
Some big goals that I have achieved in the past are losing 30 pounds in 30 days. Owning my first home at 23 and buying my second home in a country setting with an acre and a quarter of land where I have wanted to live for a long time.
Also starting my blog in January which is doing quite well.
Goal setting and achieving them is like fuel to my spirit.
That is awesome Justin.
Having firm goals like that and doing what it takes to accomplish them is what fuels success.
As long as you have the focus, motivation and persistence we can accomplish anything.
Daniel,
I like that point #2 framed up a deadline. Having set milestones to reach and at predetermined times is key. It helps me stay on track.
Writing your goals down and keeping them handy is also a great tip. I make sure I keep long term goals and motivators handy and make sure they align with me personally. This falls into your “how do they make you feel” because I think that’s important.
Without the right motivation (or the proper “why”) you aren’t going to have the perseverance needed to accomplish your goals. They have to align with you on a moral or value level.
Thanks!
Jon
Hey Jon,
Great tip you shared to always have your goals and motivators with you.
That makes a big difference to always be able to see your goals whenever you need them.
When did you set your goals the first time?
Daniel,
This was right on time for me as I prepare to go into the next quarter of this year with a renewed focus. Now I know exactly how to set and achieve goals with purpose and a create a sound plan to accomplish them. Great post!
I am glad to hear it Frank
May I ask what goals you have for the coming quarter?
Daniel,
Great tips!
I think that tip 7 is very important – keeping your goal somewhere you can see them.
It is very important to be reminded what to work for. I know that it helps me to move forward on daily basis. Do you use a vision board for your goals?
Hey Timo,
I am sorry I haven’t replied to your comment! I must have missed it.
I agree, number 7 is the step that takes it from a one time thing and makes it a continuous path towards success.
I have not started using vision boards, yet.
Do you? What has your experience been?
I’m in a process of creating one.
Right now, I have just bunch of pictures in front of me (on my desk) reminding of my goals. However, I’m in a process of compiling them into a vision board, which is visible in front of me whenever I work.
I think that the main benefit of having a vision board is that you get reminded all the time why to keep working (and towards what). It’s like a motivational aid to yourself.
I agree, at the moment I have on my toilett mirror a paper with my goals and a picture of a beautiful sunset. This motivates me a lot.
But compiling a vision board with pictures of all I want probably makes it even stronger.
Hi Daniel,
First time here.
Interesting conversation on goals. Especially Justin kills it with his nonchalant approach to goals. Go Justin!
What I found fascinating about goals is this:
If you achieve success in life, that is not a result of a specific goal, is it still a success or just luck?
Wonder, what you think about it?
Derek
Hi Derek,
Welcome!
I liked Justins take as well, if you like to reply directly to him I think he would appriciate it (he would then get an email directly).
Deep question Derek, I would say it is both, it is success if you succeed with something but the reason you succeeded was not so much thanks to you but more thanks to good fortune.
What do you think?
i get up every morning before dawn like around 3:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. to organize and write down my agenda on a sheet of paper to get my day going trying to accomplih everything i put in a journal for that particular day.
Hey Ronald,
That is great. I get up at 6.30. I need to get as much sleep as possible.
But for 1,5 hours before I go to work I get a lot done which is great.
Getting up early really makes a difference.
Hi Daniel，
It is my pleasure talking to you. I am an optimistic girl. I really love my life and music. I can get happiness through sharing with all my friends every day. I think be a positive guy is important. I feel so happy and lucky to meet u and to read this article written by u.
I will focus on my goal and to realize it~~xixi~~ thank you again!
sissi