Setting Goals - Focus Is The Key To Successfully Achieving Goals

Goals are meant to be achieved. I know you've probably set a number of goals that have grown wings and flown away. We've all failed to achieve our best laid plans, but don't give up. You can really reach the goals you set for yourself! The secret is to simply stay focused.

Have you ever tried to look through a pair of binoculars? It's difficult to see anything at first. It isn't until you've adjusted the lenses that you get a really clear picture. Goals sometimes need to be adjusted to come into focus. Don't feel bad if your initial deadline comes and goes without celebration of success. Are you halfway there? Then understand that you are indeed on your way, and reset your sights!

Why is the goal important to you? Ask yourself this question. Do you want to look good at an upcoming event, get the house ready for the next family gathering, or have a project ready to go by a certain date? Get out a bright colored marker and cross off the days on the calendar. The day-by-day count down will keep your goal in sight.

What is your goal? Do you have an eyecatching reminder posted to the refridgerator, at your desk or someplace where you will be constantly reminded of it? I have a small dry erase board that I write short-term goals on. The satisfaction of wiping the goal away when it is accomplished is great. Of course, when the rest of the family knows that I'm on to a new goal...I kind of feel nice too.

Do you ever talk to yourself? No, don't admit it aloud...I can't hear you anyway. Amy was an elementary school teacher. As a teacher, she knew that we learn in three dimensions: through our eyes, through our ears, and by touch. Why not employ these three dimensions to keeping goals in sight she wondered?

Of course she employed a marker to cross days off the calendar, and posted a picture of the dress she would order when she reached her goal on her fridge, but then she added something that many of us would be embarrassed to admit. She had regular talks with herself. Now remember that Amy was an elementary teacher (which may have pushed her over the edge) but who can argue with success. She looks sharp in the new dress, and feels great too!

Okay, so maybe talking to yourself is a bit awkward for you. How about a friend? Find a friend or family member who is working toward a similar goal, and keep each other updated on your progress. This is a great way to keep focused. In fact, Weight Watcher's -one of the leading weight loss programs- claims that those who join with a friend are more successful at reaching their weight loss goals.

It's easy to get sidetracked along the way. Long-term goals are especially easily put aside. That's why I always break long-term goals into short achievable goals that I can accomplish within a few weeks. It's always easier to climb a mountain one slope at a time, than to tackle the whole mountain.