Are you forever trying to accomplish things but never seeming
to get them done? You know you should set some goals but you
don't know how to get started? Here is an easy way for you
to set goals. Each step is represented by a letter form the
word GOALS.
The GET Step
Decide what it is you want to get. Do you want to get a new
car? A degree? Better at something? Do you want to get away
from it all on a vacation? Decide what it is you want to get
and write it down. Make a list of all the things you’d
like to do and be, a list of all the places you want to go,
and the things you want to accomplish.
The ORGANIZE Step
Organize your plan. First develop a plan by listing every
step that it will take to get you what you want. One easy
way of doing this is to imagine yourself as having already
attained your goal. Then “look back” and make
note of all the steps it took you to get there. Don’t
worry about the order yet; just list as many steps as you
can think of.
Now, organize your plan by prioritizing your list. Make a
list of the order that will best accomplish your goal. For
instance, if your goal is to get to Hawaii you would need
to plan the dates before you make hotel reservations. You
would need to have a plan for saving the money before you
booked your plane. If some of the items on your list look
overwhelming, break them down into smaller pieces. If you
want to write a book, break it down. Start with the table
of contents. Write a chapter a month. Write four pages per
day. Make each task manageable.
The ACTION Step
Take some action every day to move you toward your goals.
Every week write down the three or four things that are most
important to do to move you toward your goals and plan when
to do them. Then do them.
I often use my Weekly Prioritizing worksheet. You can too.
Write down your top three priorities for the week. Next, list
three actions you need to take this week to honor these priorities.
The next step is the most important—list the possible
distractions you will encounter and how you will eliminate
them.
For instance, if one of my priorities were to get my first
book published, I would write “book” as one of
my priorities. I would then list, “write chapter four
before work on Tuesday.” Now, what could distract me?
It could be raining Tuesday morning and then I would have
to take my son to school. How will I eliminate those distractions?
I could ask my husband if he will be available for school
transportation or set it up with a neighbor. I could also
set aside some time Tuesday night just in case.
By looking ahead and preventing possible distractions before
they occur, or by having a secondary plan just in case “plan
a” doesn’t work, I will get those things done
one way or another.
The LIST Step
Make lists as you go. List what you want. List how to get
there. List the obstacles that might get in your way. List
how to overcome them. List your action steps. By writing things
down, you form a commitment to get them done. And finally,
The SUCCESS Step
Enjoy your success each time you accomplish part or all of
a goal. Each small success will boost your confidence and
give you the motivation to go on and finish something else.
About the author: Theresa Frasch is a "DECLUTTERING
SPECIALIST."
Theresa Frasch may be contacted at mailto:theresa@organized4success.com
Get your FREE Organized 4 Success E-zine and/or "How
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