I hope that if you are into part two that you read part one. This is the second of a three part series on Goal Setting. The first part was on why we need to set goals, the second part will be over how to effectively set goals and the third part will be on what to do next, like setting up a plan of action and what to do if you fail. In part one, we left off with the fact that most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can accomplish in 10 years. So if you underestimated yourself 10 years ago, let’s get some perspective on what we really can do in a year.
Let me start off by saying that this article has homework. You can either do it or don’t, it doesn’t effect me in anyway, but it will effect you, so I suggest you consider grabbing a pen and some paper. Okay, now, I know that you have been craving ‘the goal guidelines’ and believe it or not, they are not that difficult to achieve. There are 5 parts of a great goal. Before I get into what they are, I want to explain why a great goal has to be so structured. A goal is nothing more than a statement or a summary of a plan of action. Before you can execute a plan of action, you have to know why you are doing what you are doing. In life, you have always had a plan of action. You go to work. Why? To make a living. Why? So you can have the things in life you need and want. I could go deeper, but we’ll stop there. So, your goal is to ultimately have the things that you need and want and to reach your goal, you go to work. Simple.
The first part of a great goal is that it has to be written. This is sort of a ‘duh’ at this point. I hope that after you read the first article that you contemplated sitting down and jotting some of your goals on paper. If not, you still have time. What do you want to achieve in your lifetime? If you have children, what do you want to accomplish for them?
The second part of a great goal is that it has to be specific. Let’s say one of your goals is to have a sports car. What brand? Model? Year? Color? Hardtop or convertible? Standard or automatic? What size tires? You get the picture. Be as specific as possible.
The third part of a great goal is that it has to be timed. By when do you want to achieve your goal? Let’s go back to the sports car. You want a 2008 Red Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder Standard Convertible. Great job! When you want to be driving that baby down the road? Let’s say before the end of 2008 so it’s still the newest model.
The fourth part of a great goal is that it has to have a plan. We are going to get more in depth into this area in my next article but I wanted to set it in motion. What are you going to do that will guide you into the driver’s seat of that car? You can’t just sit around and recite your goal without working towards it. A goal without a plan is a wish.
The last part of a great goal is that you have to have a price that you are willing to pay. Every goal has a monetary value. In order to place your rear into that car, what are you willing to give up? Maybe you will create a budget and scrimp on a few luxuries until you can pay cash for your Porsche. Maybe you will strive to be the best of the best employees at your job and work hard to get a huge bonus at the end of the year. Remember that sacrifice equals reward and you can achieve anything.
Now, for your homework you are going to create a list of 101 Goals. I touched on this in the first article and I bet you thought I forgot about it. I know that it seems like an impossible task. You can do it, just take it one step at a time. Start out with a simple list. Remember the first rule of a great goal is just to get it on paper, after that it’s all downhill. Jim Rohn said, “If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work for you. Whatever good things we build, end up building us.”
