Having a long-term goal means different things to different people. For some, long-term can mean having a 30 year goal, for others, it means a 5 year goal and for still others, it can mean something in between. Whatever it means to you, a long-term goal is something that you have to break down into smaller, short-term goals and those are what we are going to look at in this article.
Once you have a goal, you need to flesh it out into something that has substance. To do this easily, use these three steps:
- Write down the goal definition. This needs to be a specific, easily recognised, one-sentence description. For example; to lose 2 stone in weight, feel healthier and have a greater sense of self-esteem because I have lost the weight.
- Write down the date by which you will achieve this goal, for example 20 June 2014.
- Make sure that you include the amount; the quantity, the value, the numerical figure, whatever measureable term is relevant for your goal.
Once you have the above in black and white, list all of the benefits to you of achieving the goal. Be specific, think of ALL the positives you can and write them down. The weight-loss goal might have benefits such as 'my clothes will fit me more comfortably' or 'I'll feel more confident' for example. However personal, or irrational the benefit is, if you think it is a positive, it is, sowrite it down. The idea of writing these benefits down is that when you have moved through the intitial excitement stage and on towards the 'avoidance behaviour' or procrastination stage (ie, when it starts to get hard!) you can use this list to re-inspire yourself and to remind yourself why you are working towards the goal in the first place. As you write this list, visualise how it will be when you have reached it, clearly see and feel in your mind's eye how you will feel when this goal is reached. A strong visualisation will probably reveal to you some less obvious, indirect and incidental benefits.
If you genuinely can't think of a benefit for a goal, it is probably in your best interests to modify the goal, because you won't work towards something with all your heart if you can't see a benefit to it.
Once you have the benefits listed, make the opposite list; what you will think, feel or be if you fail to reach your goal. Write it down too, because this list can also keep you going when the going gets tough.
Now you know why you want this goal so badly, you need to list every single thing you will have to do to get there. It might be that you need to change your habits, your routines, and/or the places you hang out. For example there is no point trying to reach a weight loss goal if you won't let go of your twice-weekly 'all-you-can-eat' pizza nights, because it might upset your pizza buddies.
The last list you need to make is all the obstacles that might stand in your way and stop you from achieving your goals. Some of these will be external factors and others will be internal. Ask yourself 'what am I thinking that prevents me from reaching my goal?'.
Once you have done all the above and it is in writing, you are one of a small group of people who is likely to actually achieve what they set out to do. Remember, you can only take one step at a time. Make each step count by making sure it is heading in the direction of your goal.
It is surprising how much easier it is to achieve a goal if you are accountable to someone. Rather like the weekly club that slimmers attend, coaching gives accountability.
Coaching with me is both affordable and highly successful. Visit my website to find out more.
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