Goal setting seems to be a perennially hot topic! Could it
be that you hear and read about it so often because its a
subject that is easy to know about and difficult to practice?
It would be very surprising to find an adult in the work
force who has not heard about goal setting. A Harvard study
of their graduates over thirty years found that there were
only a small percentage (3%) of them who actually wrote down
their goals--and these were the most successful! You can be
certain that every one of those students had repeatedly heard
the value of goal setting. Yet only 3% actually wrote down
their goals consistently. Imagine what you can do if you both
write down your goals and, then, focus on them every day,
every week, until they are accomplished!
What is it the causes the "New Year's Resolution Syndrome"?
You probably know the one. People make resolutions, work hard
at them for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, and then
forget them. Next year, they make the same New Year's Resolutions.
That is the syndrome. It is self-defeating and self-sabotaging.
So, why do so many people do it?
They may be making goals that are too global, too extensive,
too unrealistic for the time frame, body type or current finances.
That is not to say that they are not worthy goals. They need
to be broken apart into smaller, more specific, attainable
pieces. The elephant analogy is still the best one I know
of to illustrate good goal setting. You probably know it.
"How do you eat an elephant? One spoonful at a time."
So it is with goals. Make spoon size goals and accomplish
them. One you've mastered those, get a bigger spoon!
You may have too many people in your life who consciously
or subconsciously are unwilling or unable to support you to
reach your goals. Everyone has a ‘personal tribe’
– their friends, families, colleagues. You have created
agreement among your tribe members that you are a certain
way, or you do certain things. They are comfortable with you
as long as you are and do those things. They may even be enthusiastic
about your desire to change something or accomplish something
new. Just know that, as you change and accomplish, they may
not like it. They may even go so far as to put you down in
small ways or make light of your accomplishments. Do you know
why? It is usually because your changes remind them, on some
levels, that they could be doing it, too...and they aren't!
Surround yourself with people who want you to have what
you want for yourself. Be mutually supportive and you'll all
achieve your highest goals.
You may have filled your schedule with so many things that
there is little room for your goals to grow. We must be careful
not to confuse busyness with progress. Be selective about
how you use your time and what you focus on. Success often
comes when you know what to leave out, rather than what to
include in your life. Notice, too, how much time you spend
on trivia. It has a nasty way of taking your attention from
what you say you want to focus on, doesn't it? Have you ever
just "had" to clean your office before you could
begin your project? Then you know how this works!
Goal setting is like the pig and chicken who were out for
a walk in town early one morning. The chicken became really
excited when she saw a sign that said "Ham & Eggs,
$2.99". She said to the pig, "Look, we've got double
billing again." The pig grunted and said, "That's
all right for you to say. For you, it's all in a day's work.
For me, it's total commitment." Goal setting is all in
a day's work. Goal achievement is total commitment.
About the author: Rhoberta Shaler, PhD Keynotes, Seminars
& Coaching for entrepreneurs & professionals who want
the motivation & strategies to achieve, to lead and to
live richly. Creator of the Living Richly™ Program Host
of Living Richly™ on www.wsRadio.ws. Author of OPTIMIZE
Your Day! Practical Wisdom for Optimal Living Optimize Life
Now! San Diego, CA www.OptimizeLifeNow.com