Goal setting

An exercise for turning your goals into reality

Written by M. Simon

Published 28th April 2011

Setting goals is easy, but achieving them requires focus, clarity, planning, and action. Too often, people create wish lists filled with hopes and dreams, only to forget about them weeks later. Success comes from consistently reinforcing your goals, building the right support system, and taking purposeful action every day. When you become clear about what you truly want and commit to the journey, your goals become far more achievable.

Where is your wish list?

Most people write down a list of things they want - be that at the start of a year, following a birthday, or just when they get that spur of motivation. They then place them in a drawer whilst crossing their fingers and hoping it will all appear, without any real plan to get there.

Instead, this list should be in its pride and place. Somewhere your eyes will dart over it without thinking - somewhere it becomes second-nature to look at. You can then learn to reinforce your mind of all that it is you want to achieve, become and have.

“See it, believe it and take it.”

Where does your reinforcement come from?

Many people fail to identify and utilise the support and guidance of people and resources needed along the way. Don't be the person trying to achieve their dreams and goals alone.

Share your dreams and passion with others, seek the support and encouragement needed to make it all possible.

Exercise for success: Goal mapping

Preparation and careful planning is key to keeping on track along your journey into the unknown.

Would you get into a car with no idea as to the end destination? I hope not.

So plan your goals as you would anything else. Have a plan, because if not, you will be a part of someone else's plan.

Discussing your goals is not enough. Careful, thought out actions, repeated continuously until achieved is an absolute must. Your goals need to be crystal clear, there's no room for fuzziness here as the price is too high and will ultimately cost you your goal.

How to clearly map out your goals:

Goal mapping is a visual and physical exercise that bridges the gap between a dream, and your actual actions.

Put your primary objective in the centre of a page
Branch out into milestones you want to hit
Set timelines and deadlines you wish to meet
Map specific tasks and things you can do to help you get there

The collection of this visual together will show you exactly what you want to achieve, when you want to get there - and importantly - how you can get there.

Having this clearly visual - be it in your bedroom by your mirror, your kitchen where you prepare food or anywhere you pass regularly - serves as a constant reminder of what you're working towards, and what your next step is.

Top tip: The clearer this is to begin with, the easier it will be to follow.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Life Coach Directory. Articles are reviewed by our editorial team and offer professionals a space to share their ideas with respect and care.