SHAKING THE TREE ... #29
Why goals need a plan
Got a goal?
Something big you want to achieve in life?
Want to make that goal a reality?
Then make a plan and—and perhaps even more importantly—WORK your plan and keep working it, even if that means adjusting the plan as you make progress.
Here are a few thoughts:
CLARITY: Start by getting clear about your dreams and passions. What is it that inspires and motivates you? What issues, ideas, and dreams get you out of bed in the morning and what keeps you up until the wee hours? How and at what do you want to get better Identify the specific areas of your life you want to improve and what you want to achieve in each of these areas. Write that shit down and keep referring back to your notes.
Taking the time to write down your dreams and aspirations as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals is a great way to keep yourself on track. This clarity will help you stay focused and track your progress.
DIVIDE: The easiest way to make big things a reality is by dividing your long-term goals into smaller, easier to manage steps. When you create and work on and work toward making a series of short-term goals real, you make your bigger dreams feel more attainable and give yourself a clearer, easier path to follow.
PRIORITIZE: Some of your goals are going to be easier to attain than others, so take time to determine which of your goals are most important to you now and how long you’re prepares to invest in each on in order to make it something attainable. Then, prioritize each step along the way accordingly. To avoid getting overwhelmed, only focus on one or two key objectives at a time.
VISUALIZE: Having an idea in your head or written down is one thing, but creating visual representations of it elevates your thinking to a whole new level. By visualizing your goal through images pulled from magazines you create a powerful representation that goes a long way to making your dream into a reality. Collect images, quotes, and symbols from whatever sources you can lay your hands on that represent your goals and create a vision board with odds and ends stuck to it to keep you motivated.
ACCOUNTABILITY: By sharing your goals with a trusted family member, associate, or friend you have someone to both support you and to hold you accountable for progress. Being accountable means you can celebrate …
CELEBRATE: When you make progress—regardless of how much progress you make—it’s OK to celebrate your achievements. By acknowledging your progress you learn to boost your motivation, which in turn keeps you inspired on track.
FLEXIBILITY: We all know life can, will, and does throw curveballs from time to time and because life can be unpredictable, at some point something’s going to knock you off course. But that’s OK, because even though circumstances may change, by being flexible, you open yourself up to adjusting your plans, progress, and goals while staying true to your overall goal.
POSITIVITY: By using positive affirmations to keep yourself focused, you reinforce your belief in yourself and in your abilities. By repeating affirming and empowering statements you do much to build your confidence and reinforce your self esteem.
OPENNESS: No one knows it all and by continuously seeking out sources, advice, and knowledge you develop new approaches and new skills related to your goals, all of which helps keep you moving forward. Personal growth and personal learning will do a lot to help you overcome obstacles and set backs, all of which moves closer to your dreams.
Remember, setting goals consistent with your dreams is a journey that you control, and although progress might not always be steady, or linear, or visible, every step forward—and even steps backward—help you see a path forward. The secret is both your ability and your willingness to be be patient with yourself and being willing to embrace every step in the process. With dedication, application, commitment, and a clear plan, it’s possible to turn any dream or idea into a reality.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why no one cares about that CEO hipster’s morning routine