by AJ Lat

Created on: December 07, 2008

It is true that positive thinking is not enough! Many of us get stuck in thinking that positive thinking is the end all and be all. We miss the point and do not implement the steps needed to get where we want and need to be in life.

The best way for me to set goals is to think about planning a vacation or trip. You would not take a trip without a map or researching the area you plan to visit. You would not take a trip without intricate planning and also you would certainly consider the cost of your vacation. You also have to pack the right clothing and accessories to wear while visiting this area.

All of these situations come into play when you are wanting to reach any "destination" including setting goals.

I love to do a list with my Life Coaching Clients called the Three Minute Miracle.

Start your day by writing down three things you want to accomplish today...

Then write three things you want to accomplish within this week

And last but not least three long term goals...or dreams you have put aside or on hold.

Making this list will only take you three minutes, in fact you can do it in the morning while you enjoy your coffee.

It sounds so simple BUT the rewards are amazing. Why? Because if you do this first thing in the morning it sets your mind in FORWARD motion. Also by writing things down it makes everything seem so much easier to manage and more doable. It also causes you to consider things you have not done to complete these tasks.

For long term goals or things you need to really spend more time focusing on...again think about mapping out your vacation.

1. Where do you want to go...really put thought into this where would you like to "visit" more than any other place in the world.

2. How long will it take to get there...and be specific to keep yourself within a time table this really helps you stay persistent. For example you could not take a world cruise with only a week to do so. Be wise in your thinking do not bite off more than is doable or reasonable.

3. What type of investment will this involve? You may simply need to invest more time in achieving your goals. You may need to take a brush up course or go back to college. You may have to invest more TIME than you have been investing by working more or planning more or putting feet to the ideas you have.

4. Once you have made up your mind where you want to "travel" print out the itinerary and stick to it. For instance if you are planning to take a plane trip to Dallas do NOT get off in Chicago! STAY WITH THE PLAN. Even if you take a temporary layover for heaven sakes get back on the plane to Dallas right away!

Also do not get stuck in the past. So many clients tell me they are unhappy in their work or whatever situation they are facing but they feel committed because this was their dream from long ago or the person they have been dating forever but are still miserable.

Remember life changes, DREAMS change, and people change. DO not get into some type of emotional attachment to the past.

When you are unhappy it is a good sign something needs to change. So do not get stuck in some false sense of loyalty to your present employer or even a person you have dated for years. When it is time to move on...know the signs and make a plan!

And remember not to get to feeling to set and safe in your new destination because there will always be another trip and destiny down the road !

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