Goal setting is the true secret to success in any area of life. But although setting a goal may seem simple, achieving it is usually another question altogether. First and foremost; create a clear mindset as it relates to your goals.
Why is that?
Because you will never achieve your goals unless you: (1) know exactly what you want, (2) are passionate about your goal, and (3) have a solid, realistic plan of action. This is what marks the difference between nebulous dreams and wishes – and truly achievable goals!
A goal is simply a wish until it is written down.
Many obstacles and challenges will fly right in your face when you’re going after a goal. Here are 5 time-tested methods that will help get the success you deserve.
1️⃣ Your first job is to discover exactly what your goal is!
What will achieving that goal really look like? Be as specific as possible about exactly what your desired end result is. Your success will be a measure of your clarity – since an achievable goal plan cannot be created around a nebulous “dream.”
If your goal is to create a more successful business, what will that look like? Are you thinking in terms of simply hiring someone else to give you more free time? Are you looking for a very specific monthly profit? Or can your goal be best expressed in terms of a certain lifestyle?
Regardless of what you want, the best way to get it is to first clarify exactly what you want in as much detail as possible. This can be hard work. But without a clear mental picture, you’ll never have the focus required to achieve your goal.
2️⃣ Be Willing To Pay The “Entry Fee”
Success takes dedicated planning and effort. In a way it’s like building a house. In the beginning all you have is a rough concept. Then you develop a complete set of plans – and you immediately move closer to success.
The same is true of creating a better lifestyle, or a more successful business. But there’s always an *entry fee* to be paid for success. The entry fee?
Creating more success in your business may mean less recreational time. Writing your own book may require less TV. Being closer to your children may require adjusting your work or social activities.
It’s the “full glass” deal. If your life (your time) is already full to the top, there’s no room for something new. The entry fee is carving out the time to create something new.
3️⃣ Focus On Your Goal Every Day
I’m sure you probably want to achieve your goal as fast as possible. That’s why clear mental focus is so very important. Consistent daily focus is absolutely necessary to “burn in” the new neural pathways you need to create your new goal.
Without daily focus, the old mental habits that have kept you from your goal will continue to take over. This happens automatically – since these old habits replay 24/7 deep in your subconscious mind. The only way to override subconscious anti-success messages is to consciously focus on what you DO want – and build new neural networks!
That’s why success is an every-day event. Recommit to your goal every day. Don’t let your goal take a back seat to the daily tasks and distractions that will try to take over. Life WILL try to get in your way. Just get, and stay, on course every day. Focus on your goal, and on success!
4️⃣ Get Passionate
One of the most powerful tools in your “success tool box” is having real passion for your goal. Why passion? Because intense passionate desire for your goal will help you burn in those new neural pathways even faster.
Many, many scientific studies have shown that intense emotion (passion) is a key success tool. PLUS (and this is really a *big* plus), intense passion will also help you rapidly override any inappropriate old “failure messages” stored in your subconscious mind.
5️⃣ Take Consistent Action
In many ways, actually taking action can be the most difficult step. Successful goal achievement is built by taking one small action after another. The word is ACTION! If you commit to take at least one small action each day, your actions WILL add up and make a difference. So avoid sitting back waiting for that big second when everything will magically “just happen.”
You CAN create whatever you want in life. The secret is to determine exactly what you want, then pursue it passionately. But remember — in the end, only action counts! You can’t just dream about it! You have to DO IT!
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These are great tips! #2 hit me hard…
Since reading this post; are you reflecting on what you can remove to create your success?
Excellent tips to share. It’s so easy to get caught up I. Life and forget!
Thanks for reading the post Marie; I hope it was helpful to you!
These are great tips! Agree that writing goals is so imp, visual board is great and so is visiting them often
Yes!! Have your goals, and dreams posted everywhere so you see them many times a day
Success is so subject but these are great tips to achieve it!
Great post! All the steps are important but I loved the reminder of #5.
I completely agree about being passionate about what you do, when you are not it shows.
We definitely need to figure out what the goal is and how to achieve it, SMART is what I try to do. And being passionate about anything we do helps so much…Thanks for sharing! @Journeyofsmiley
Handy tips on goal setting and success! I’m a true believer that goals, when worked on in the right way, contribute much towards guide us in achieving what we aim for.
Your point about “entry fee” is excellent. Once you pay that, I find that’s what also helps you stick to your goal and stay with it, even through the difficult days.
Great post! So many valid points. Especially about being passionate. I know that is key for me.
Great points. Having a goal is one thing, being focused, passionate and consistent is another.