Where are you been? Where are you going?
Where are you been? Where are you going?
First of a Series
Like the backward and forward looking Roman god Janus (for which the month January is named) this is a time of the year we review what we have accomplished and think about where we are going. However,beyond a few spoken, half-hearted resolutions to family and friends about some kind of change we want to make, a majority of us let time and habits determine our destination. Far too many wind up in situations not of their choosing. So the question to ask yourself is "If I don't know where I am going, how do I know when I get there?"
Everyone has goals. What you think about or feel, you generallydo something about. If you are hungry, you eat. If you want money, you work. If you are bored or lonely you fill your time and attention with people or distractions. But what about the BIG stuff you want to Be, Do or Have?? For that kind of achievement you need Goals that cut through the day to day needs and distractions and half hearted resolutions of the New Year.
What kind of BIG stuff, you may ask?? Well that is for you to decide. But it all starts with a pen, some paper and some dreams. Because a GOAL is nothing more than a DREAM with a DEADLINE! Believe me it pays to write them down and review them EVERY day. The only way to create the future you desire, is to take action in the present. NOW is the moment of effectiveness where you are either moving towards your goals or not. So instead of drifting around in the sea of life, why not set course for the destinations of YOUR choice.
Here is a condensed version for how to do it.
1. Write down your dreams, wants and desires in the following format:
I must (be, do or have) [insert the situation, or object of desire here]. Notice the emphasis on the word "must".
This is not the time to be wishy-washy. Tell the universe what youwant and its already in the works. Read up on "The Secret" or "The Law of Attraction".
2. Take each "I must" dream statement and make them SMART. There is a lot of info written about S.M.A.R.T. Goals here is a summary:
Goals Must Be:
S- Specific - The universe hates generalities. The more detail you can write about your goal, the more real it is to you. So use your imagination and describe it detail.One technique to to imagine yourself already having achieved the goal. How does that feel?
M - Measurable - How many?, How Big? How Much?? Whether its a Cholesterol score or money in the bank... Whats the number?
A- Action List - What are the steps you need to take in order to achieve your dream? This will change and might not be clear in the beginning. But as you start on the journey it will become clearer what you need to do. The trick is to start.
R - Relevant - Do I really want to do this? Does it conflict with my values and beliefs? How is it related to my other dreams? In other words -- What is your WHY for doing this?? Another hard question that needs to be answered. If you don't believe in the dream, you won't want to work on it during the inevitable "down" times.
T - Time Bound - When do I want this goal? What is the schedule of accomplishment. If you don't have a deadline, all you haveis a wish.
3. Review these goals EVERY DAY!!! Have them in your planner or in your pocket written on a card or someplace handy. The "noise" and events of the day will distract and delay and push you off course. Take some action on at least one of your goals every day. NOW is all the time you have to make some kind of change.
In closing remember:
Yesterday was History. Tomorrow is a mystery. But Today is a Gift. That's why they call it the Present.
Now!! Go make something happen!!
First of a Series
Like the backward and forward looking Roman god Janus (for which the month January is named) this is a time of the year we review what we have accomplished and think about where we are going. However,beyond a few spoken, half-hearted resolutions to family and friends about some kind of change we want to make, a majority of us let time and habits determine our destination. Far too many wind up in situations not of their choosing. So the question to ask yourself is "If I don't know where I am going, how do I know when I get there?"
Everyone has goals. What you think about or feel, you generallydo something about. If you are hungry, you eat. If you want money, you work. If you are bored or lonely you fill your time and attention with people or distractions. But what about the BIG stuff you want to Be, Do or Have?? For that kind of achievement you need Goals that cut through the day to day needs and distractions and half hearted resolutions of the New Year.
What kind of BIG stuff, you may ask?? Well that is for you to decide. But it all starts with a pen, some paper and some dreams. Because a GOAL is nothing more than a DREAM with a DEADLINE! Believe me it pays to write them down and review them EVERY day. The only way to create the future you desire, is to take action in the present. NOW is the moment of effectiveness where you are either moving towards your goals or not. So instead of drifting around in the sea of life, why not set course for the destinations of YOUR choice.
Here is a condensed version for how to do it.
1. Write down your dreams, wants and desires in the following format:
I must (be, do or have) [insert the situation, or object of desire here]. Notice the emphasis on the word "must".
This is not the time to be wishy-washy. Tell the universe what youwant and its already in the works. Read up on "The Secret" or "The Law of Attraction".
2. Take each "I must" dream statement and make them SMART. There is a lot of info written about S.M.A.R.T. Goals here is a summary:
Goals Must Be:
S- Specific - The universe hates generalities. The more detail you can write about your goal, the more real it is to you. So use your imagination and describe it detail.One technique to to imagine yourself already having achieved the goal. How does that feel?
M - Measurable - How many?, How Big? How Much?? Whether its a Cholesterol score or money in the bank... Whats the number?
A- Action List - What are the steps you need to take in order to achieve your dream? This will change and might not be clear in the beginning. But as you start on the journey it will become clearer what you need to do. The trick is to start.
R - Relevant - Do I really want to do this? Does it conflict with my values and beliefs? How is it related to my other dreams? In other words -- What is your WHY for doing this?? Another hard question that needs to be answered. If you don't believe in the dream, you won't want to work on it during the inevitable "down" times.
T - Time Bound - When do I want this goal? What is the schedule of accomplishment. If you don't have a deadline, all you haveis a wish.
3. Review these goals EVERY DAY!!! Have them in your planner or in your pocket written on a card or someplace handy. The "noise" and events of the day will distract and delay and push you off course. Take some action on at least one of your goals every day. NOW is all the time you have to make some kind of change.
In closing remember:
Yesterday was History. Tomorrow is a mystery. But Today is a Gift. That's why they call it the Present.
Now!! Go make something happen!!
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