Some people are more successful than others -- that’s just a fact.
So what is it about these successful people that helps them rise above their peers? Is it their character, their background, their intelligence, or maybe their upbringing?
Sure, these things contribute. But the fact is, everyone can achieve more than they are now. Everyone can learn to be more successful.
Humans are creatures of habit. It’s easy to develop habits that limit us -- wasting time, negative self-talk, poor sleep patterns, drinking, smoking, bad eating, etc.
The good news, though, is that you can also teach yourself habits that propel you to success. Goal setting is one of these habits.
Goal setting is what sets the successful apart from the unsuccessful. You can achieve more when you create a clear vision of what you want, write it down, and commit to the actions necessary to fulfill your vision. This is what goal setting is all about. It’s the practice of thinking and seeing where you want to go before you start moving.
This practice comes easier to some people than others. Some people also learn it earlier in life than others. Either way, it is a learned behavior. An ability to set goals is not genetic; it's the result of training. You can train yourself to do it, too.
Just like you can learn to plot a journey on a map, you can train yourself to think ahead in life and spell out what you want, planning the steps you need to get there.
You must repeat the positive pattern of vision-commitment-action every day until it becomes your new default. Remember, it takes 24-30 days in a row of doing this action, without an off day, to become a habit.
START NOW.
Are you committed to your goals? Prove it.
1. Write down your most pressing goal or challenge -- who you want to be, what you want to be and where you want to be. Maybe you have habits or characteristics you want to strengthen or cut out. (Planning)
2. Write down 5 things you must do to make progress toward your goal.
3. Circle the one thing in your list of 5 that you will do first. (Prioritization and time management)
4. Write down a date and time when you will have that first item done. (Commitment)
5. Do it. (Getting into action and follow through)
6. REPEAT steps 3-5. (Determination)