Goal Setting - by Mike Swanson

I believe the two most important characteristics in setting goals
are that you must able to truly:

1. Visualize the goal.
2. Believe it is possible.

The visualization must be as complete as possible and removal of all doubt is required. Effective goal setting is the result of time spent on these 2 characteristics. 

Smart goals made simple:
Many instructors of goal setting teach the SMART method of goal setting - that goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed. Specific, measurable, and timed all fall under the category of Visualization. In the Visualization process, you must visualize your goal as completely as possible. Imagine as many specific details of the goal achievement as possible: sights, sounds, tastes, smells, textures, colors. Imagine the weather and the people around you. Picture the partners and relationships that helped in the attainment of your goal. Imagine your goal as having already been achieved – and note the timeframe in which it occurred. There are many techniques to increase the quality of your visualizations.
  

I believe Achievable and Realistic were words chosen to make the SMART acronym. What does achievable and realistic mean? Why limit yourself to things that are supposedly “achievable” or “realistic”? Did Thomas Edison say, “electric light isn’t achievable”? Just because something has never been done does not mean that it is not achievable. Someone has to go first. The Wright brothers were the first to achieve human flight because they Believed it was possible. Of course you are not looking to set yourself up for failure - the test is whether you truly Believe.

In order to create effective goals you need only to be able to truly Visualize and Believe them.
Add deliberate action and it is just a matter of time.

Why do some people avoid setting goals?
1.They are not aware that goal setting is a fundamental strategy for achievement.
2.They do not know how to set effective goals.
3.They are too “busy” to stop to think and plan.
4.They are afraid to set goals out of a Fear of failure.

Some people have a Fear of setting goals. It is not that they do not understand goals or the importance of them, the Fear of failure simply stops them from setting them in the first place. Fear frequently manifests itself subconsciously. A subconscious Fear of something will cause you to avoid it. If you have not set goals for yourself, determine if Fear may be a possible cause.

If Fear is in the way of your goal setting, consider these 2 strategies for overcoming it:

1.Revise the Goal: As you are nearing a goal deadline and are struggling to believe it is possible, you should revise the goal. Look at what you have done so far toward its achievement and rewrite the goal. Make it a little bigger and give yourself a little more time. Using this strategy, you will never fail to achieve a goal – you may simply make a revision or adaptation based on your progress. Most plans require some revision along the way. Your goals are the same way.

2.Change the goal all together: Perhaps your goal is not being achieved because you do not possess a burning desire for its achievement. Maybe it just sounded good at the time. It is ok to change your mind. Maybe you got the opportunity to test drive the car of your dreams and realized it’s not for you. Maybe an RV for the family is more practical than a flashy sports car.

Don’t let Fear stand in your way of setting goals.

Ideas for creating your goals:
Imagine the life of your dreams and visualize it as specifically as possible.
Ask yourself: What do I want? What do I want for the people in my life?
Think about what you would do if you had all the money you would ever need.
Simply decide what you want from the catalog of life.

Once your goals are set, the next step is moving toward their achievement and realization. That requires exploring the 30 Principles of Success. An exciting journey is about to begin.