goalsWould you embark on a road trip without an end destination in mind? If you did, you would drive around a lot, see a lot of places, but you wouldn’t get where you are going because you don’t know where that is. If Mr. Roger Clemens, one of the best pitchers of all time, were standing on the pitcher’s mound, what are the chances that he could throw a pitch right across home plate?  Now, if Mr. Clemens were blindfolded and then spun in circles a few times for good measure, the probability of a perfect pitch drops dramatically. What are the chances of people achieving their goals if they are blindfolded and dizzy? Goals require clarity and focus that can only be achieved with proper structure and definition.

Firstly, a goal must be in writing. It’s mandatory. Writing out goals can be the most difficult part of goal setting. Putting something in writing feels like a real commitment. That’s because it is. So, if you are really committed to achieving your goals, write them down. 

The second quality of a successful goal is making your goal specific and measurable. Saying, “I want to lose some weight.” is a wish, not a goal. As long as you are living and breathing, your brain is constantly thinking. The left side of the brain handles logic and focus and requires a concrete goal on which to focus. If your goal is specific and you’ve written it down, your brain will be thinking of it, even when you aren’t. Your goal needs to be measurable so that progress can be noted and you will know when you have achieved your goal.

The third quality of a proper goal is that it must be realistic. Your goals can be difficult and challenging, but they must also be realistic and achievable. Do not set yourself up for failure. If you’re not sure if you are setting realistic goal, find an expert in the field to help you set a realistic goal. Whether your goal is related to business, finance, health, family or spirituality, you can find an expert to help you. Whether it be a friend, mentor, teacher, pastor or boss, someone has had previous success in the path you want to follow. Find them.

The fourth quality a goal must have is a specific timeline. You need a timeline for your goal because your brain will perceive it as a deadline. A deadline implies a sense of importance, and imparts a sense of urgency. That’s also why it should be a realistic deadline; otherwise you will stress yourself out and possibly give up entirely.

Positive wording is the fifth quality your goal must exhibit. Using positive language is very important. It gives you confidence in yourself and provides motivation to continue. Your goal needs to be worded as an affirmation you can repeat to yourself. Use it as a mantra when you are working toward your goal. Avoid language like “try” or “attempt”; these words allow for the acceptance of failure. If you are going to commit, go all the way!

A properly worded and written goal would look like this: By December 31st, 2011, I will weigh 140lbs. This goal has all the elements of an achievable goal. It is in writing, specific, measurable, realistic and in the affirmative.

By using these steps, you can turn your dreams into reality and your wishes can come true. Successful people have goals that they are constantly thinking about, talking about and repeating to themselves.  You too can be a success. You might be a success without setting goals, but how would you ever know?