Regardless of what you want to achieve, the surest way to get there is to begin with sharply honed goals. Here’s why, and how to craft them.
The biggest benefit of chiseling a detailed description of what you want to do is that, even without your conscious attention, your mind will begin planning. Programming a specific target into your brain ignites its launch sequence. It calculates the trajectory it will need to take, the resources it will need to tap, the type of energy the task will require, and the speed it will need to generate to get the job done. It sets itself up to perform so that it can fly as soon as you signal it that you’re ready.
By identifying exactly what you want to do and what result you want to generate, you also stimulate your brain to play with alternative strategies and to rehearse the most effective ones in advance of your taking action. Your imagination will quietly attend to your goal while you are engaged in other activities. Even when you’re asleep, as long as your subconscious knows that you intend to take action on your goal, it will be preparing to support your efforts.
Finally, because it has been programmed to concentrate on a clear-cut target, once you begin to act on your goal, your brain will filter out irrelevant noise, allowing you to focus with fewer distractions and act with greater definiteness of purpose.
To achieve a crystal-clear definition of your goal, begin by simplifying it as much as possible. If it’s a complex or multi-faceted goal, break it down into a sequence of simple ones. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to study tonight,” decide that “I’m going to finish chapter six of my biology text and do the exercises; then I’ll read the English assignment.” Instead of saying “I’m going to be debt-free,” develop a plan for eliminating your each of your debts in a specific order.
If at all possible, quantify your target in some way: How much? How many? How often? How long? How far? Finding some way to add a numerical value to your goal is one of the best ways to make it precise. Avoid descriptions like “some” or “a few” or “a little while.” Eliminate any ambiguities that you can.
Then identify the additional qualities of your goal: its color, texture, function, size, condition, uniqueness, age, material composition, intended audience, style, or purpose. Even though you have simplified it, detail as many things about your goal as you can. Does it have time or cost constraints? Does it need to produce an emotional or intellectual impact of some kind? Are environmental concerns a factor?
Feeding your brain this kind of detailed data generates enormous focus and creativity. The subconscious works with images and the more concrete they are, the more effective it can be in lining up the factors that will contribute to your ultimate success. The small amount of time and effort you invest in clarifying your goal does more than give you an edge. It repays you tremendously in increased efficiency, effectiveness and spectacular results.
Want to learn more about achieving great results? Subscribe to Susan’s free newsletter, “The Magical Mirror” with tips and encouragement for creating life the way you want it to be at www.thetomorrowgame.com
Susan K. Minarik is the author of “Winning the Tomorrow Game: How to Discover and Create the Life of Your Dreams.”
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