 |
Ready-set-go to your Goals
Author: Cathy Wilson  | Posted: 06-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 15 | Rating: (53)  (?) 
 You're ready? You're set? Go forward to achieve your goals! Wait....you need a plan. You need a SMART plan to reach your goals. Creating a plan to reach your goals takes them out of the wish list mode to commitment of accomplishing them. Would you drive cross country without a map? Would you embark on a trip without any planning? Would you get in your car and expect to arrive across the country without any planning? No, of course not. If you want to arrive at your destination with success, you must have a plan. The same is true for your goals. Make your goals SMART with a plan.
Setting goals is a powerful process for success. The process of setting goals provides direction and insight. Establishing goals helps you choose where you want to go in your life. Whether you have weight loss goals, personal, or professional goals, making a plan is essential for you to achieve them. It is not enough to think about them, floating around in your head without any foundation. You need to write them down and develop a plan with strategies for success in reaching your goals.
Create categories to organize your goals. Examples of categories are Personal, Career, Education, Family, Health/Fitness, Financial, and Self Improvement. Next, list your goals in the respective categories.
In creating your goals, make them S.M.A.R.T!
S=Specific, M=Measurable, A=Attainable, R=Realistic, T=Timeframe.
SPECIFIC - A specific goal rather than a general, broad goal. A general goal would be to "Exercise." A specific goal would be "Join a gym and workout three days a week." Another example of a general goal would be "Drink water." A specific goal would be "Drink 64 ounces of water throughout the day." List the goal in detail. List your goal in a way that you can check off the steps you've accomplished in order to achieve it.
MEASURABLE - Create milestones for measuring your progress toward the accomplishment of each goal. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, remain focused, reach your target dates, and motivate you to reach your goal. By making it measurable, you have a sense of accomplishment as you move forward in your progress. An example is to "Join a gym and workout three days a week" by indicating on your calendar the three days you worked out. Another example is to keep track daily of each eight ounce glass of water you drink. If your goal is to eat three meals a day and two planned snacks, either list the foods in your eating for that day or check off "Meal 1, Meal 2, Meal 3, Snack 1, Snack 2." One good day of achieving your daily success creates momentum for the next day and the next, etc.
ATTAINABLE - Make sure that your goals are attainable so you can determine ways to achieve them. If a goal is attainable, once you define the goals and details to get there, you start to develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and the steps you need to take to obtain success to reach your goals. If your goals are unrealistic or overwhelming, you won't be excited and enthusiastic to begin to accomplish them. If your goals are attainable, you move closer and closer to accomplish your desired goal outcome. A cycle of momentum and success will be created.
REALISTIC - A realistic goal must represent an objective that you are willing and able to work on. Every goal should be something you can visualize yourself reaching. In goal setting, if you can't see it, then it is difficult to achieve it. If you believe you can reach your goal, then it can be accomplished. Regularly visualize yourself accomplishing your goal. If it is a weight loss goal, shut your eyes and visually see yourself standing on the scale and seeing your goal weight. Visualize yourself shopping, picking up a certain clothing size or style, trying it on and it fits you beautifully. If you have a fitness goal, such as participating in a competitive walk/run, visualize the finish line. See yourself approaching it, throwing your arms up as you reach and cross over it.
TIMEFRAME - A goal should be defined within a certain period of time. Without a time frame associated with a goal, there is no sense of when you will reach your goal. Give your goal a deadline so you can work toward accomplishing your goal. If your goal is to lose a certain amount of weight, when do you want to lose it by? If you leave your deadline open-ended as in "someday", you do not have a sense of when you will achieve your goal. If you ground it within a time frame, "by September 1st, then you've already put into motion accomplishing your goal. Don't leave your timeframe as open ended. Create the commitment and dedication to your goal by giving yourself a timeframe. State your goal to create ways to enjoy your success.
Helpful tips in setting your goals:
1. Write your goals in a journal or in a special place so you can see them. Marking them in an organized manner allows you to note your progress or fine tune your goal as you work toward it.
2. Share your goals or post them as a reminder for is a good way to help you get and stay on track with those things most important to you. As an example, put notes of your goal on your bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator, in your car, or at your desk.
3. Write your goal as a positive statement. Express your goals in an affirming manner. Reflect your goal in an empowering way. For example, I won't keep junk, snack foods in my desk drawer. Instead, I will keep healthy foods in my desk drawer.
4. If you have multiple goals, assign priorities to each of them. By prioritizing your goals, you avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many goals. Prioritization of goals also keeps you focused on the ones most important to you.
5. Organize your goals. Organize them in a way that allows you to feel in control rather than a long wish list. Some categories could be Health, Fitness, Organization, Time Management, and Financial.
Goal setting also serves as an important way to:
*Choose what is important for you to achieve and accomplish in your life.
*Focus on your own personal priorities of what you desire in your life.
*Keep you motivated and inspired in a positive mode of self-improvement.
*Build your self-confidence and self-esteem based on the successful achievement of reaching your goals and making them a reality in your life.
When you have achieved a goal, congratulate yourself. Celebrate your accomplishment and achieving your goal. Take the time to enjoy reaching your goal and the steps you took to get there! Fully feel the fulfillment in your success. Reflect on the progress you made towards your goal reached and how you can apply the same persistence and determination to other goals. Embrace the self-confidence and self-esteen you have in mapping out your journey to set goals and the destination you feel of accomplishment and achievement. YOU DID IT!
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/readysetgo-to-your-goals-297702.html
About the Author:Cathy Wilson is a weight loss life coach. Cathy lost 147 pounds six years ago. Her passion is helping clients achieve their weight loss and life goals. Cathy works with clients to create a weight loss life plan that is customized to each client. Cathy is a member of the International Coaching Federation, International Association of Coaches, and Obesity Action Coalition.
Visit Cathy's website:
http://www.LoseWeightFindLife.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Step Up to Habits for Weight Loss
By: Cathy Wilson | 26/01/2008 | Health
Bad habits serve a purpose. Bad habits have a payoff for you. If you want to replace a bad habit such as compulsive overeating, you need to have a new, positive habit. Bad habits limit you in your life. We can't reach our weight loss goals and maintain the weight loss by way of bad habits. Follow the steps to replace a bad habit with a positive habit that will work for you. Allow your habits to propel you to your weight loss goals.
Rising Above Mediocrity Today
By: Patric Chan | 10/12/2007 | Self Improvement
Sometimes going the extra mile can make all the difference between being just plain average and excelling.
Succeed in Making Changes That Last
By: Cathy Wilson | 01/01/2008 | Self Improvement
Wanting to make changes in your life is a great goal. You need to have a plan that consists of motivation and steps that keep your motivation high. Past successes in your life can be key in helping you make lasting changes now. There's no external hocus pocus magic to making lasting changes The magic exists in you. If you succeeded previously in your life, you can do it again. Success with a plan of motivation and five steps will be yours.
At Last! A Scientifically Proven And Amazing Way To Loose Weight
By: Marilyn Ann Barker-Smith | 18/07/2007 | Health
Americans spend an estimated $30 billion a year on various types of diet programs and products, including diet foods, pills and drinks. You don't need to add your hard earned cash to these statistics.
If you have ever eaten junk food or processed food and then wished you hadn't because you...
Are Hidden Beliefs Creating a Lackluster Career?
By: Amirah | 28/11/2006 | Advice
If you could redesign your lifestyle just the way you want it, what would it look like? How would it feel? What's in your way? Limiting thoughts, beliefs and feelings can impede your progress. Give voice to your dreams and enhance your ability to identify opportunities that move you closer to your ideal. If you want to change the outcome or results, you have to change your thinking.
A Change Will Do You Good
By: Sharron Myers | 10/01/2006 | Motivational
As the last rays of summer’s warmth ebb away and the gentle breezes of autumn waft themselves upon us, we recognize once again, that change is inevitable. Nature is constantly changing and yet, so many people have the notion that change is frightening.
Why Self Improvement Is Important - Part 1
By: Garry Zancanaro | 28/08/2006 | Self Help
An alarming percentage of people spend most of what they earn and many also have large debts. They are often no more that a few paydays away from bankruptcy and have little, if anything, put aside for emergencies, much less for a comfortable retirement.
By: | 31/12/1969 |
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Self Improvement Articles
The Significance Of Anger Management Techniques
By: Stephen Campbell | 08/09/2008
Anger management techniques are put in place to give encouragement to individuals to work on their anger. Anger management programs are generally educational in nature and help the victim to take control of their emotions-- the anger.
Catalysts For Achieving Real Success
By: Stephen Campbell | 08/09/2008
There are 4 important things which everyone should etch within their heart and mind--success secrets., leadership development, business success, abundance and prosperity.
Laboratory Experiments With Subliminal Messages
By: Michael McGrath | 08/09/2008
Do subliminal messages really work? Can your brain even record messages that you are consciously unaware of? This is a debate that has been raging since the 1950s and recently we have some scientific evidence to give us the answer!
How to Become Successful and Financially Free
By: Richard van Beek | 08/09/2008
There are many different ways to become wealthy. You can inherit money, win money, save up until you reach a substantial amount, or work really hard to get it. But a lot of people lack one element to create wealth. In this article I'll explain this secret.
The Awesome Power Of Gratitude
By: Jules Hawk | 06/09/2008
The expression of Gratitude has the capacity to transform your life, to develop the connection with Divinity, with your true inner self and the profound power within, to inspire, and to bring forth bounty and joy into your life.
Discover Your Destiny: Finding Your Path of Light
By: Michaiel Bovenes | 06/09/2008
The concept of destiny can excite you at the core of your being and can also become a source of frustration that renders feelings of impotenia and longing. When you learn these secrets you can easily find greater peace and fulfillment in your life.
Angelic Forces are Here Now
By: Kate Loving Shenk | 06/09/2008
Angels Are Known To Visit Where Catatrophe Looms. ER's, Hospitals and Hospices All Come To Mind (But Not Limited To). This Article Is A Review Of Dr. Robert D. Lesslie's New Book, "Angels In The ER."
Buy One, Get One Free or Bogof
By: Elsabe Smit | 06/09/2008
We believe that the illusions that other people create, but we do not believe that we can create our own reality. We then live the reality of someone else and complain about not getting what we want.
More from Cathy Wilson
Being Perfect on Your Diet as Set Up for Failure
By: Cathy Wilson | 19/08/2008 | Health
It's very important that you begin your healthier lifestyle with an understanding that there will be days when you will stray from healthy eating and exercising. You will not be perfect in your diet and exercise program, nor should you be. Success doesn't come from being perfect. Success comes to you from a balance and moderation of healthy habits.
Your Weight Isn't About Food
By: Cathy Wilson | 15/08/2008 | Health
Your weight and body issues don't have anything to do with food. It isn't what you eat but why you eat. One of the problems with weight loss surgery and diet programs is our belief that they hold the answer. If only we can follow them, they will work for us. Unfortunately for many of us, we didn't experience long-term weight loss success. Did we fail? No. Absolutely not! The diets failed because they are not the answer.
Committed or Wishing?
By: Cathy Wilson | 09/07/2008 | Health
Do you want to lose weight? Are you hoping for a way of life that includes losing weight, feeling good in your body, wearing a smaller size, and have strong sense of confidence? You can have it. To reach any goal, you need to be committed. To lose weight requires persistence and consistency. It requires saying no to food choices when you'd rather indulge. It requires a commitment to your diet and along with a promise to yourself.
Your Personal Independence Day
By: Cathy Wilson | 03/07/2008 | Health
As we celebrate our country's independence, celebrate your own. Independence Day is one day a year; your own personal Independence Day can be any day of the year and every day. From changing our lifestyle and our habits, we have changed our relationship with food. Rather than living as a slave and victim to food, we are now free and independent of the limitations of emotional eating. You are free! You are independent!
Emotional Medication of Food
By: Cathy Wilson | 01/05/2008 | Fitness
When you have a headache, you take an over-the-counter pain relief medication. If you have an uncomfortable emotion, do you take the relief self-medication of emotional eating? For many of us that have weight issues, emotional eating is the result from attempting to change the way we feel. When we feel an uncomfortable or undesirable emotion, we provide relief by emotional eating. Medication has its proper place just as food does too.
Weight Loss Success Without the Scale
By: Cathy Wilson | 22/04/2008 | Health
Do you wake up and weigh yourself? That's fine but does it determine what mood you're in and set the pace for your day? Are you in a good mood or bad mood depending on the scale? Is the tone of your day based on the number reflected on the scale? Break the ties that bind you from being a slave to the scale. Celebrate your success and changes you're making in your life in ways other than the scale.
Impossible to Regain Weight After Weight Loss Surgery?
By: Cathy Wilson | 20/04/2008 | Health
With weight loss surgery, are your worries about your weight are over? Do you need to think about weight issues? Weight loss surgery is not a cure for your weight woes. The surgery does not do all of the work for you. As we know, weight loss surgery is a tool. Weight regain can occur. It is a tool that WE choose to use. If you want to lose ' choose to use your surgery.
Avoid Weight Regain From Bariatric Surgery
By: Cathy Wilson | 05/04/2008 | Health
When having weight loss surgery, you commit yourself to certain nutrition and dietary requirements. You become dedicated to a healthy lifestyle with habits that support your weight loss. Weight loss surgery is a tool to use but you must choose to use that tool. Unfortunately, weight regain or a stalled weight loss can occur. If you want to avoid the dreaded return of pounds, become aware of the pitfalls on your journey to weight loss success.
|
|
Self Improvement 
