by B. Lee

Created on: June 16, 2008

How to Set Personal Goals

Goals are promises we make to ourselves. Most people never reach or attain their personal goals for various reasons. These might range from lack of commitment, lack of motivation, or plain old fear. Frequently, goal setters do not know how to go about bringing that goal into reality. And this leads to frequent disappointment and total frustration at ever attaining that goal.

First a few warnings: Most people set their goals too high. Set a smaller goal with steps leading to a higher goal you desire. For example, if your desire is to climb Mt. Everest, it would surely be wise and very smart to first learn how to mountain climb.

Every goal needs a plan. Always break your goal down into small steps. Make a list of steps leading to accomplishing the goal. For example, you want to learn to modern dance by your 30th birthday. Your first step would be to find a dance teacher. Then arrange dance classes. Commit to classes a number of times.

Here are a few basic steps to get you started easily achieving all your personal goals.

State your personal goal outloud. For example, "I want to exercise more this year." Now write the goal down in your personal journal. You do have a personal journal? If not purchase one right now. Writing down your goals helps tremendously with personal achievement.

Next be more specific about your personal goal. For example, "I want to walk for 30 minutes per day, 5 times per week. Now write this down in your journal. The more specific the goal, the easier to succeed. Many have found this to be very true.

Finally, Print on a 3x5 card or sheet of paper in bold letters a positive affirmation. For example, I love to exercise or I enjoy exercising everyday. Whatever you think might keep you highly motivated.

Each day repeat your affirmation outloud to yourself for about several minutes. This will plant the idea in your mind and help bring about the positive changes you desire. In other words, by repeatedly stating the goal to yourself you will be more inclined to accomplish the goal.

Next sit in a chair in a silent room visualize yourself achieving your goal with ease. Let the fire of your desire for the outcome fuel your imagination. Feel the rush of success at achieving your goal. This is a method used by many top athletes and successful business people to attain all their goals.

Repeat this process every time you are thinking about setting a new goal. And you will be on your way to achieving all your goals easily and with self confidence.

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