WHY PEOPLE DO NOT SET GOALS

WHY PEOPLE DO NOT SET GOALS

Here are eight common reasons why people fail to set goals.

1. Most people are not serious or committed... just words - no action. You need to reverse to "action taken," not just words written.

2. People do not accept RESPONSIBILITY for their life. They are still waiting for real life to just "happen," buying lottery tickets instead of taking positive action in their lives. They are "Waiting for their ship to come in," waiting for a lucky break... always WAITING for a more convenient time.

3. They hope someone else will take responsibility and "rescue" them.But, who else will take responsibility for your life, if not you?

4. They were raised in a negative atmosphere. "Can't" is the attitude of the household. "Oh, YOU can't do that!" "Don't even bother" or"Why do you think you are good enough to do that?"

5. They don't really understand or realize the importance of planning and setting achievable goals on a consistent basis.

6. They just don't know how to do it.

7. The fear of criticism ... fear of being ridiculed when trying to rise above the norm. Fear of sharing goals with others, which helps to doom success. What is needed is association with people who understand the importance of goal setting, and who will help them reach their goals in a healthy, positive manner.

8. FEAR OF FAILURE ... This greatest deterrent keeps most people in their "comfort zone." There, they are already successful, so there is little chance for risk, therefore, for failure.But that place doesn't teach any lessons and does not stretch the individual to find out what they are really capable of accomplishing.

HOW TO MAKE RESOLUTIONS THAT YOU'LL KEEP

What follows are 12 specific steps which will help you translate your Resolution(s) into solid, achievable worthwhile goals!

1. SET GOALS WHICH CALL FOR YOU TO "STRETCH" BEYOND WHAT YOU MIGHT NORMALLY BELIEVE YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH.

As Napoleon Hill said, "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." Determine what you really believe you can accomplish ... then consider expanding what you think is possible For instance, if you earned $50,000 last year and know that you can easily repeat this success, what would be a real stretch for you? Would it be $60,000? $65,000? Can you see yourself earning $100,000? If so, challenge yourself to acquire this extra amount. There are no limitations except those you place on yourself and acknowledge.

2. SELECT AN AREA OVER WHICH YOU, YOURSELF, CAN EXERCISE CONTROL, RATHER THAN A SITUATION IN WHICH CHANCE HAS A LARGE INFLUENCE.

For example, a New Years Resolution that you're going to win the lottery would not be effective because you don't directly influence the outcome of the games. You do, however, control the quality of your work, the number of times you call on prospective clients, etc. Focus on these areas and improve your personal performance.

3. PUT YOUR GOAL IN WRITING.

When you write out your resolution, you'll find that you become much more serious about achieving it. You must also pay special attention to the way in which you write your goals (see steps 4-7).

4. ASSUME SUCCESS.

Avoid saying, "I want to start my own business" say "I WILL start my own business by..."

5. MAKE 1T SPECIFIC

For example, "I will start my own catering business, focusing on healthy ethnic ingredients"

6. MAKE 1T MEASURABLE

For instance, "I will start my own catering business, filling out all necessary legal papers, renting a location, purchasing kitchen equipment, hiring at least one worker and servicing my first client."

7. SET A TIME DEADLINE FOR ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOAL.

Tack on a "by when" to the end of the above statement -- that is, "I will start my own catering business by March 1, 2008" This adds a sense of urgency and immediately puts you into a "state" of action.

8. LIST THE BENEFITS YOU INTEND TO RECEIVE BY ACHIEVING THIS GOAL.

This is crucial. For instance, will you have more influence in the community? Will your family be more secure? Would you have fulfilled a life's dream? (NOTE: If you ever find yourself growing too scared or losing focus on your goal, take another look at what you wrote for this step.)

9. SPEAK WITH OTHERS INVOLVED IN SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

An effective way to build your confidence when sailing into uncharted waters is to associate with those who have already taken this or similar risks ... survived and succeeded.

10. ASK A COLLEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL TO SERVE AS A PERSONAL "COACH"

Make sure you choose someone who is both healthy and positive, to help you keep your resolution. Share your goals and commitments with this person. Report to him or her often and ask your coach to hold you accountable for doing what you say you will do.

11. VISUALIZE YOURSELF ACHIEVING THIS GOAL.

Create a vivid mental picture of yourself (for example) presiding over a tremendously successful catering affair. Imagine your client smiling and thanking you for cooking such an exceptional meal. Allow yourself to experience the positive feelings e.g.. pride, happiness, satisfaction -- that go along with your accomplishment. The more you can "see" your success in your mind's eye the more likely you will be to create this success in reality.

12. ACT NOW.

Act on your thoughts now. Avoid putting off taking action because you feel that you need to be better trained or more prepared -- this is a form of procrastination. Again if you find yourself too scared to proceed refer back to step #8 and focus on the benefits you will receive making this resolution.

REMEMBER : "Life is what happens to you. Living is what you learn from...and how you respond to what happens to you" "While we can't change the past, we CAN fix the present and START living a better life right now, in order to make our future better