Discovering how to set a goal the easy way doesn't need to tough or time-consuming. It generally boils down to wanting a particular thing really badly and taking the time to sit down and draw out a plan to achieve it.
However, if it were that easy, everyone would be achieving the success they crave. The difference is the successful among us have learned how to set a goal to the point that it is as easy and familiar as breathing.
There are two main aspects to keep in mind when setting a goal:
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1. Learn What Your True Purpose Is. Our ultimate goals, the ones that fill our thoughts and dreams, should provide us with an overwhelming sense of purpose.
For example, let's say you have a goal to become rich. This goal would typically be phrased as such: "I want to be rich." At first blush, this seems like an ordinary goal. What we want to do is make it extraordinary. This can be done by finding reasons for achieving this goal that are bigger than yourself, that will give you purpose.
"I want to be rich so that I can give my kids a down-payment for a home of their own."
"I want to be rich so that I can give 25% of my yearly income to support cancer research."
When you learn how to set a goal that is bigger than yourself it will keep you motivated and driven long after those first few days of your goal-setting trek.
2. Phrase Your Goals with Gusto. Learning how to set a goal becomes a lot easier when we learn that there is a proper and effective manner to word our goals. This aspect of understanding how to set a goal is overlooked because it looks deceptively simple. But don't be fooled, this little known secret has a great deal of influence on our results.
Let's take another look at our goal from the previous point: "I want to be rich."
On the surface this seems proper. There is a desire, and a sense of motivation to achieve the goal behind it. However, we can drastically improve this goal by simply tinkering with the words.
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First off, this goal needs to be distinct. "Rich" could mean a great deal of things. This goal means something different to nearly each individual person. So we are going to give it an exact number. In addition, we are going to provide a realistic date for when the goal is to be completed to give a sense of urgency and a reason to start acting now.
"I want to be making $650,000 by December 2014."
This goal is better. But there is still one more little tweak we are going to make…
"I choose to be making $650,000 by December 2014."
By using "I want" we are giving ourselves a reason to be constantly wishing for our goals, looking far off into the distance, to some hazy future where we might be living out our goals. By rephrasing it with "I choose" we are making the distinct decision to live our goals.
Now that is how you set a goal!
About the Author:Alex Work is a personal development coach who has written four best-selling books on goals and goal setting. Find out more at YourGoalBook.com.
