Goal setting is one of the key contributors in many personal and business success stories. Why is goal setting important and how do you go about establishing goals?
We all have dreams about what will make us happy or visions about what will make our business successful. Jim Rohn, American business philosopher (1930-2009), said: “Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for. Happiness is something you design.”
Setting goals is pulling this vision into conscious thought and making sure that your energy is focused on doing the things that will take you towards making these dreams and vision real.
Here are a few pointers on how to formulate your goals:
What does my vision look like?
Putting this in words or even drawing this can be a useful way of shaping your vision. Do not limit your vision with any thoughts on “how” you will achieve this vision, only focus on “what” this vision looks like. Also, state your goal in the positive, as it should be inspiring.
Why do I want it?
Reflect on why your vision is important to you. This will help to motivate you. The reason why you want it can be subconscious or explicit, but it will help to clarify the “what” of your vision and it will inspire you to act on this vision.
What are the specifics around the goal?
Think of specific measures, not un-quantifiable statements.
When do I want it?
Specify a date by when you would want to achieve this goal, or any significant dates on your way to achieving this goal.
Let us apply these questions in the following example:
I want to be debt-free (having paid off debt amounting to R30 000) by 31 January 2011 so that I can save R25 000 by 31 January 2012 for my first overseas holiday.
Take the first steps towards making your dream come true by establishing your goals clearly.
Andrew Carnegie, well-known businessman and philanthropist of 1800s, said: “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”
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