There are as many different ways to approach setting goals as there are people who make them. But certain points are central to most of these techniques.
Be clear and specific. Beware of vague goals, like “to become a better person” or “lose weight.” Both are good objectives but offer little direction; they don’t answer the question, How?
Make them measurable. Lose how much weight and by when?
Set a time limit. “You must hold yourself accountable to deadlines and adjust tasks accordingly,” says Blair. “Slipping deadlines is a symptom of poor execution and a lack of discipline.”
Break projects down into small, more manageable units. Rather than setting a goal of losing 30 pounds, make one for losing five pounds this month.
Establish stepping-stone goals. In order to lose five pounds, you can aim for walking 20 minutes three times a week or eating five helpings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Write them down. Most experts consider this a crucial step. Writing your ambitions down makes them real and keeps them in your mind longer. Plus it established a commitment to yourself.
Post goals around the house. Experts suggest displaying Post-it notes or other signs around the house – perhaps on your computer monitor or on the bathroom mirror.
Experts in motivation and achievement claim that setting a goal, imagining how it would look and feel to reach that goal, then putting a plan into action to reach your goal – are the three hottest tickets to your success.
Visualisation
Here are some steps to visualisation:
Close your eyes and picture the mental images of your goal vividly and precisely
Use the senses to engulf yourself in the visualisation.
Sight – What to you see around you? What colours are present? Which grab and hold your attention?
Hearing – What sounds are you hearing? Are there sounds that appear suddenly, others appearing later? Are these sounds appealing or not?
Smell – Are there smells that strike you, pleasant or unpleasant? How do the odours affect you?
Taste – Is there anything to taste? Are you eating or drinking? Do you have some lingering taste in your mouth?
Feel – What do things feel like? How do the clothes you’re wearing feel on your skin? In your mind celebrate how it feels reaching this goal.
Allow yourself to experience the completion of your victories – picture joyful elation, wide smiling and perhaps jumping up and down.
Taking Action
Goals and visualisations fade away without action.
Disclaimer: This is not advice. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice per se. The information contained in this newsletter is for guidance only and should not be relied upon without obtaining professional advice having regard to your specific circumstances.
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