Seven Step Goal Formula
By Rene A. Bastarache, CI
Have you created your new business goals for 2015? We all have hopes, dreams or wishes of where we’d like to be but unfortunately wishful thinking cannot be cashed at the bank. It’s important to understand if we want to be successful that wishful thinking is not the same as having a goal.
Lots of people who take our courses having a desire to become hypnosis practitioners seem to be very motivated at first wanting to dive right into their training. They complete their course and pass the test with flying colors and are ready to begin their new careers. They come up with lots of ideas on how to get moving ahead and often times will write to me saying that they’re thinking about it every day.
“Thinkers think and doers do.”
The difference between thinkers and doers is that thinkers think and doers do. They act. All the good ideas in the world will not pay for your bills. Have you ever tried to pay for your telephone bill with an idea?
Unless you’ve gone through the process of writing down your goals and created a clear detailed plan on how you’re going to attain them, they are not goals. Their simply wishes or dreams. A well-defined goal can be attained. A dream will always be elusive and just out of your reach. Until it’s acted upon, it simply an illusion.
If you’d like to progress or change your present situation in life you must have a plan. A goal is considered a detailed plan. It’s a step-by-step process guiding you to your destination. Change however does require action and action can be uncomfortable. Keep in mind that the conscious mind is a creature of habit and will always resists change. It wants to remain the same.
Success is uncomfortable as it requires taking immediate action and changing.
Failure is remaining comfortable, playing it safe and taking no action.
Here are Seven Steps in creating a well-defined goal that you can follow. If you’ve already created your goals for 2015 take a look to see if they conform to these steps. If you haven’t already formed your goals then here’s your chance to begin now.
- Identify what you want and write it down. – Of course today everyone prefers typing but it’s a proven fact that writing things down on paper helps you to personalize your goal and make sure it’s mentally accepted.
- Why do you want this goal? – What’s your benefit if you attain it? Keep in mind that if you don’t have a benefit there really isn’t much incentive to work towards it.
- Identify the obstacles you must overcome. – Clarify what stands in your way. Ignoring obstacles will not make them go away; if you don’t believe me just try ignoring the police officer at your window the next time you get stopped for speeding.
- List of people, groups, materials or things required. – Will you need help to attain your goals? Does it require office space, a plumber or electrician? Make a list of everything you’ll need.
- What type of knowledge is required? -Even though you may not have a degree in a required area you can always find someone that does. If you don’t have the specific knowledge required there’s always someone else that can be hired, outsourced or referred to.
- Create a plan of action to reach your goal. – Now make a step-by-step plan of what it will take to attain your goal. If the steps seem too big then take the time to break them down into bite sized portions that can be easily attained.
- Deadlines and reporting. – Reporting is a VITAL step in the process of success. This is a step that is usually missing in most goals that fail. It’s important to find someone who can help you in attaining your goals by being a periodic sounding board, motivator and also to ensure that you meet your deadlines.
“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” Napoleon Hill
Now take the time to plan out your goals for 2015 using the previous seven steps to help you make them attainable.
To your Success!