How many of you have woken up in random mornings with zero idea on how to spend your day? Or more simply; how many of you can mention at least five real goals that you would like to accomplish within the next year? I am pretty sure that some of you answered yes to the first question while others may are having a hard time answering the second one. If you are one of those people, do not panic, you are not alone. There are many people who unfortunately live their lives without a plan; a plan that in one way or another will help them get where they want to go in life.
Having a plan in for your life is an important process that all human begins should take in consideration. It involves creating realistic and “reachable†goals. Goals that you can use as your guide while moving forward in life. Many people (especially young adults) believe that creating goals is difficult because they are not sure what path they want to take in life. Or some of them feel like their lives changes so fast that they cannot keep up with those changes, which in one way or another it prevents them from achieving their goals. Again, if you are one of these people, do not panic, you are not alone. The important part here is to understand that without a plan in life your “pursuit of happiness†or your “pursuit for a better life and/or career†will become a scary and frustrating maze.
Goal setting is not as difficult as it seems. In fact, is one of the few things that you can have complete control of, and that can be modified (If you need to) according to the life path you want to take and/or according to the changes you make during your drive toward that “pursuit of happiness.†Goal setting requires you to have an idea of the things you want to accomplish in life and to put those things in a “to do list†and organize them by priority. Yes my friends, it is as simple as that.
If you are one of those people who had a difficult time answering my second question at the beginning of this article, or are having a hard time accomplishing your goals, I invite you to continue reading. Below, I will share with you six (6) tips to start setting realistic goals and to continue working toward the achievement of those goals.
Tip #1 Relax and clear your mind of unnecessary distractions: This tip, in my opinion is one of the most important ones at the moment of setting your goals. It is important for you to relax, to take a deep breath, and not to take this exercise way too seriously. Remember, obsessing over things is not going to take you anywhere. Also, discharging unnecessary distraction from your brain will help you to have an “empty mind,†which will prepare your brain for the next tip.
Tip #2 Brainstorm about where you want to go in life and the things you want to achieve: Start by identifying what is that you want to do in life, or the things that you really want to achieve. Identifying those things and having a clear idea of where you want to go in life will help you to see the big picture and create realistic goals. Remember to identify the things YOU want to achieve. This is not the time to let other people influence you or to give you ideas. This should be your goals; not other people’s goals.
Tip #3 Maintain a journal of those goals: After you identify the things you want to achieve, write them down in a journal and keep that journal handing for those moments when you start losing your focus. Putting your goals in writing will also help you in remembering why you want to achieve that goal, which in one way or another will prevent you from taking an unnecessary detour.
Tip #4 Set timeframes and prioritize your goals: Once you identify your goals and write them down, make sure you establish timeframes for each goal. Setting timeframes will help you prioritize the goals in a way that you do not feel overwhelm by them. Knowing what you want to do and the time in which you want to accomplish it will help you maintain your mental health intact and will prevent you from burning yourself down trying to achieve all at the goals at once.
Tip #5 Create a plan: Now is time to create your plan. Gather your journal and start making a “let’s do it†plan to help you achieve your goals. In this plan, make sure to list all the things you need that will help you achieve your goals. Also, add to the list people who you think will help you achieve the goals or at least can give you the motivation you need to maintain yourself focus on the completion of your goals. Once you have identified those resources, write down how you are going to “attack†each goal and the way you will use those resources during your “attack.†Once you have a better idea of what you want to accomplish, the resources you need, and the way you are going to use them, it will be easier for you to get in “attacking mode.â€
Tip #6 Follow that plan: And last but not least; follow your plan. Yes, it is that simple my friends. I know that life has its ups and downs and sometimes, it is difficult to stay focus in the achievement of your goals but if you put all your effort and make a point of sticking to your plan, you will have a great chance of success. I promise!
Bottom-line; setting realistic goals in your life not only will help you have a clear idea of the path you need/want to follow, but it will also give clear and direct instructions to your brain of the things you are supposed to be working on to avoid distraction or unnecessary detours. Let’s start taking control over our lives my friends by creating a plan and working hard toward the achievement of our goals.
Remember; “the significance of a man is not in what he attains but in what he longs to attain.†~ Kahlil Gibran ~
About the Author:
Marielys Camacho-Reyes is a career/life coach with over 10 years of experience in the human resources field. If you would like to receive a one-time free coaching session, visit her website at www.mcrcoaching.com or email her at success@mcrcoaching.com
