Successful people (i.e. "leaders") are compulsive goal setters. It is critially important to set goals acccoring to these well-recognized guidelines:
1. Intense desire/unequivocal commitment. A. YOU must want to attain the goal for YOURSELF. You will not reach a goal
somebody else wants for you.
2. Absolute belief that you can attain the goal.
A. It must be a realistic goal.
B. Break “large” goals into much smaller, attainable steps.
3. WRITE IT (the goal statement) DOWN.
A. Until you write the goal on paper, it is only a wish.
B. Place your written goal statement in many conspicuous places,
(on refrigerator, bathroom mirror, car dashboard, etc.)
C. Goal statements should follow this formula:
1. Personal pronoun “I”.
2. Present tense.
3. Positive orientation.
4. What benefits will you derive from attaining your goal?
A. LIST the benefits.
B. The greater the number of benefits you can list, the greater your chances for successful goal attainment.
5. Determine your current status with regard to your goal. These are your starting points, against which you can measure your progress.
6. Set a deadline for when the goal is to be attained.
7. Identify those obstacles you will need to overcome in order to attain your goal.
A. Expect and be prepared for obstacles or setbacks.
B. If there are no obstacles to overcome, then you have not set a goal, but rather, are (merely) involved in an activity.
C. List the obstacles you expect to encounter. After writing them, they may be fewer in number than you expected, and may seem small or even Insignificant when compared to the anxiety created by vague, generalized fears.
D. People who do not appreciate goal setting will likely try to discourage you
from pursuing your goals (ex. “Why do you want to do that?).
E. DO SHARE YOUR GOALS with other people who appreciate goal setting.
8. Clearly identify the knowledge you will have to acquire in order to attain your goal. Read, talk to others who have similar goals, attend lectures on the subject, and generally, IMMERSE yourself in your topic of concern.
9. Clearly identify the people, groups and organizations whose cooperation and assistance you will need. We all need SUPPORT!