Goal Setting Is Essential To Your Success
Submitted by Bob Hoffman, DC, president of The Masters Circle, Inc.
Maxwell Maltz, MD, who wrote "Psycho-Cybernetics," one of the classic "must read" books for those who are serious about success and happiness said, "We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve. People who say that life is not worthwhile are really saying that they themselves have no personal goals which are worthwhile."
Paul Meyer, founder of the Success Motivation Institute, has stated, "Goal setting is the strongest human force for self-motivation." He also said, "goal-setting is essential to success."
All success philosophers have spoken extensively about goals. It is one of the common denominators of all these wise men. They all came to an agreement on one simple point…you must decide what you want with clarity if you plan on getting it.
My favorite quote about goals comes from Jim Rohn, who was Tony Robbins' mentor and coach, and who said, "The true purpose of goals is to compel you to become the person it takes to achieve them."
Too many people mistakenly think goals are a destination you reach or don't reach. They feel good when they accomplish the goal and bad when they don't. For most, this bad feeling leads to not setting future goals because "they don't work for me."
What is clearly most important is who you have to become, how you have to grow and change so that you accomplish the goal you set to stretch yourself. Understanding this pivotal concept makes goal setting not only highly effective, but consistently raises your self-esteem and self-image.
You wouldn't think of building a house without blueprints, or going on your dream vacation without specific plans, but we blindly attempt to have the practice of our dreams without a plan or a specific set of goals.
Remember that goals are not needs; they are wants. Goals bridge the gap between where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. It is a process that begins with a clear and specific direction, and continues with purpose and personal power.
There are different goals for different aspects of your life. You should have professional goals, personal goals, financial goals, family goals, personal health goals, spiritual goals, travel goals, etc.
You should also establish your goals with time frames. Have specific one-month goals, three-month goals, six-month goals, one-year goals, three-year goals, five-year goals, etc.
Another critical distinction is that a goal without a timetable is called a wish.
To really accomplish your goals, you must become and stay extremely focused. Always phrase your goals in the first person, present tense, and state the goal in the affirmative, as if it were already accomplished. William James, the greatest philosopher of the last 100 years said, "To become, act as if."
First, start with your big goals and then chunk them down into daily goals, which make them so much easier to manage and accept as real. Then, create a list of strategies needed to increase the odds of you accomplishing these goals.
Finally, create a list of identities of who you have to be, how you have to show-up in order to accomplish your goals, and then find ways to leverage yourself to go after accomplishing your goals like a hungry dog going after a T-bone steak.
It is also important to track your goals so you can determine what needs to be done to ensure your success. So many people either never set goals (big mistake) or look back after the deadline and say "Great, I achieved my goal," or "Darn, I missed it."
Create the practice and life of your dreams and remember that success does not come to you…it comes from you.
Editor's note: Dr. Hoffman is president of The Masters Circle, Inc, a personal consulting and leadership coaching organization dedicated to helping practitioners achieve the practice and lifestyle of their dreams. A visionary leader and acclaimed speaker, Dr. Hoffman has spread his message around the world for more than 20 years. In addition, he has created powerful practice building and educational materials to help practitioners get better results. Contact Dr. Hoffman at the Masters Circle at (800) 451-4514 or by e-mail at bob@themasterscircle.com.