Goal Setting: Effective Goal Planning

Step 4: Effective Goal Planning

Sometimes goals just happen -- but most of the time there is lots of planning and work involved!

By now you have a goal that is the best goal for you at this time and you fine tuned it to make sure it will bring you what you want. Now is the doing stage. Research how others with similar goals made them work, remind yourself daily of your goal, and constantly move towards your goal.

Research:

Mentors are very useful in this process. Ask friends if they know anyone who has completed your goal, and if possible get them to introduce you to them. Joining a club that supports your goals is extremely helpful. Look in your community for mentor groups. All of the world's most successful people had mentors.

Often the local library has lots of books and sometimes even classes. Often there are associations for various types of activities. For example, there are many real estate investing associations for people who want to invest in real estate - and Toastmasters for those who want to learn to improve their public speaking skills.

Read books on related subjects. See links throughout Gems 4 Friends and our Recommended Resources.

Following steps others used to make progress on similar goals really helps. Forming a game plan modeled after one they used can help you avoid the potholes along the way.

Reminders:

Notes throughout work, car and home, adding reminders to your calendar, making an exercise of repeating your goals verbally and in writing throughout the day really help. Keep the picture of you goal in mind and keep working on it.

One great easy reminder method: Carry your goals with you. Write down 3 goals on a 3x5 card and carry them with you. Put it in your wallet or your pocket and refer to it often.

Tie a string around your finger or write a note on your hand. For some people, this technique really works.

Recording your goals on tape and playing them often works well too. Be certain to always record positive thoughts and goals. Listen to it often.

Using premade tapes such as 101 Power Thoughts/101 Ways to Transform Your Life/CD is very simple and easy to use.

Remind yourself of your goals and imagine achieving them. Then do one more thing that gets you closer to your goal.

Play, Play, Play (sometimes called Work, Work, Work):

Create a series of steps for your goals. These steps can be mini-goals. List these mini-goals in order so you have a plan of action.

Set a specific time aside EVERY day for doing your goal. Preferably set aside at least one hour every day (unless your goal needs less time such as a goal of exercising 30 minutes every day).

Now have FUN following the steps you created. By doing the research and having reminders, your creation is only steps away. Feel the joy and love of creation and go through the steps.

If challenges arise, Step 5 is waiting to help you.