Have you set some goals for 2012? If so, make sure you follow the 7 secrets to goal setting to make sure they are achievable. Otherwise, what’s the point in setting them?
Secret #1: You get what you focus on, so focus on what you want rather than what you don’t want.
There is a part of your brain (the reticular activating system) that tries to find you more of what you are thinking about. If you are thinking about things you don’t want to have happen, you tend to create that outcome because your brain thinks that is what you want. Focus instead on the outcome you want to have happen and put your brain to work creating it for you.
Secret #2: Your goal must be compelling.
If your goal isn’t compelling enough, it just becomes one more thing on your “to do” list. It has to be juicy enough that you really want to reach it.
Secret #3: Make your goal a “moving toward” goal.
We move toward pleasure and away from pain. Many people set goals that are “moving away from” goals–they want to avoid pain or discomfort. While “moving away from” goals are highly motivating, they don’t keep you motivated in the long run. Eventually you have enough money to keep you from being poor, or have lost enough weight that you aren’t fat. Plus, your focus is on what you don’t want. Focus on moving toward something positive for more consistent results.
Secret #4: State your goal as a SMART goal.
Your goals should be
Specific
Measurable
As If Now (stated in the present tense)
Realistic
Timed (have a deadline)
Secret #5: Write it down.
When you write your goal down, your brain hurries to achieve it. When you write it down and read it every day, you work on it unconsciously.
Secret #6: Visualize your success in all 5 senses if possible.
When you have achieved your goal, what will you SEE? What will you HEAR? What will others say? What will you FEEL? What will you SMELL? What will you TASTE? You are creating a template for your brain to follow.
Secret #7: Take action.
You’ll never achieve your goal unless you take action. A goal without action is merely a dream. Nice to think about, but not achievable.
When you have finally achieved your goal, CELEBRATE! After all, isn’t it great to achieve something that you have wanted?
© 2012 Linda S. Pucci, Ph.D.
Linda,
I tell people all the time about the RAsystem and how our minds literally “find” what we say we want. That old saw “be careful what you ask for” is true! Thanks for sharing your wisdom in this post, great steps!
Sue
At the core of your guidance is the recording of those forward moving goals. Writing them down is the spark of commitment that all meaningful goals need; and the beginning of visualization. Thanks Linda!
Thank you for the tips. The trick in number 3 is not to move away from something but to rephrase it into a positive movement toward something. That also expands the outcome.
Absolutely, Bill. Although it is fine to use that “moving away from” motivation to get things started, you sure don’t want to stay stuck there. You have to find something positive to begin moving toward, or you will be likely to end up recreating the painful situation somewhere else.
Great advice Linda. I especially like the SMART acronym and will remember that one.
Linda – #1 and #7 are my favorite. Focus on it and take action! Great advice
I like the idea of visualizing your goal with all your senses. The power of visualization can’t be underestimated. Thanks so much for the reminder.
All great advice, Linda. I agree with Jennifer’s favorites–#1 and #7 are absolutely critical to achieving your goals.
Great Post!