Thursday, December 6, 2007

Setting Goals.... How important is it in business?

It seems like there are two different types of people in the world. The ones that are driven and seem to be bound by all the rules. And the ones that are carefree that just seem to take life as it comes.

You've probably noticed that the driven ones aren't always successful or happy for that matter. What do you think setting goals has to do with it all? Is there some magic to being successful? Not really, success takes work and determination. Do you have what it takes? Or would you prefer to take the easy way out instead of achieving success?

Don't worry. Anyone can learn the art of setting goals and change their life. So what happens when you go about setting goals? Basically they represent your thoughts about what you want to achieve or be in the future. To be achievable goals should be realistic. When setting goals, keeping them realistic makes your chances of achieving them much more likely.

But it takes more than just setting goals. You MUST take action. Otherwise success would be something you could have without any effort and that isn't how it works. The key to achieving your goals is acting as if you have already achieved them. In other words you must act the way you goals dictate. Just setting goals isn't enough because if you are not willing to do the work necessary to reach your goal than you might as well stop before you even start.

1. Enhance your skills in achieving targeted goals by setting objectives, as well as standard and optional activities that will help you meet your goals. The more measurable they are the more likely you are to hit them.

2. Strategize and take risks in meeting your goals. Strategic thinking is important because this allows you to be productive and focus on the activities according to your goals. Take the time to think through any possible obstacles and brainstorm solutions as part of the setting goals process.

3. Be the person your goals say you are. The way you think of yourself will determine how you act. So make up your mind that you will succeed and don't hesitate to try new things. It's okay to be uncomfortable because that means you are doing something new. To get where you want, you will have to do new things. Which is one of the reasons for setting goals.

Setting goals isn't just for the unsuccessful. Everyone benefits when they take the time to put a plan in place and then the take steps to work towards that plan. Successful people will be highly successful if up till now they have just enjoyed natural success and have never before taken the time to plan it.

Part of setting goals is accurately assessing your skills and abilities and making up your mind that you are ready for more. It doesn't matter whether your goal is personal or professional you will benefit just the same.

Clear goals with milestone makes all of this much easier. Moving forward, you also have to consider that there are goals that are just too hard to achieve on your own. At times, setting goals even creates conflicts that you might think of surrendering in the long run. Take heart. Everybody has similar concerns at times.

If along the way one of your goals just seems to be to hard to reach before throwing in the towel get some help. Think through your original strategy with your partner and get their input. Don't be afraid to adjust a goal based on new information that you didn't have when you were setting goals to begin with. Keep in mind that setting goals is in your best interest. Never give up and be sure to stay focused. Prioritize your daily activities to ensure reaching your goals. Stay positive and think of your goals as having already achieved them.

Think of it like this: If you want to live in a certain neighborhood or house, then, everyday spend some time visualizing yourself as already being there. If you are aiming for a personal or educational goal, make things happen by planning and doing things related to your goals. You will then realize that setting goals, no matter how difficult they may appear, greatly increase your chances of achieving them.

Once your goals are achieved, sweet success knocks on your door commending you for a job well done.


By: Mike McMahon

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