Setting Intelligent Goals

The difference between super achievers and those in the misty flats are the ones who set lofty, measurable and achievable goals. It is important to know where you want to go and how you are going to get there. There is a price that must be paid and you have to be willing to pay that price. If we want to achieve something valuable, we must be willing to put forth the effort.

There are those who get up and get what they want in life and others who sit back and wait for things to happen to them. And there are varying degrees of both. I suggest you listen to “The Strangest Secret” by Earl Nightingale done in 1956.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8448018326921957619#

There is nothing quite like this I have found out there today. Even though this recording is over 50 years old, the principles today still apply and are relevant.

Here are some keys in setting goals with the EMARTT method:

• Exact: Determine EXACTLY what you want to achieve. The WHAT is the first key. Then determine WHY, you need to attain your prize. Lastly, figure out HOW you are going to accomplish the goal. Make your roadmap and stick to it.

• Measurable: After you plan out What, Why and How, plan out a way to measure your success along the way and visualize it happening. If you have to sell so many units to achieve a goal, then determine how many sales processes it will take to get you there, and what activities are needed to get you there. If you are going to sell a million dollars in a year, then you probably would expect to be halfway there in 6 months.

• Achievable: It is a good thing to set big goals, but it should be within your realm of capability. These goals should be “stretch” goals, but I would not set a goal of playing in the super bowl if I haven’t played in over 25 years. Make them something that you can achieve.

• Reasonable: Aside from being Achievable, the goals we set must me reasonable and attainable, something within reach. if I have been struggling with sales results, then start with closing one deal, or setting a goal for the month, and move on from there. If I normally close2 deals a month, then maybe a goal of 20 is excessive. Shoot for 3 to 5. If I double results, how would that make me feel?

• Timetable: Put a deadline on the goal, otherwise it turns into wishful thinking. A timetable puts some urgency and gets us moving in the right direction. Make a timeline and stick to it.

• Thought: Visualize yourself in the desired state of crossing the finish line. When you think of your goal, think of it in a relaxed, confident frame of mind. If your vision gets clouded, then replace it with what you want.

The other thing I would add is to never, never give up on what you want in your life. Quitters never achieve and life is full of them. Someone once said, “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.” People have thought of me over the years as someone who is very skilled and talented and that is the main reason for my success, and to a degree they may be right. However, the greatest attribute that makes me successful is that I never give up on what I want. Just like boxer who is getting clobbered and the trainer says stay down and he still gets up until he ultimately wins. Never quit.

A part of the thought of never quitting is that you have to continually visualize yourself winning and eradicate thoughts of defeat and failure. Condition your mind on the positive things as they relate to your goal.

If our goals are worth achieving, then they are worth working for. There is no such thing as something for nothing. So plan it wand work for it and never quit; to quote a phrase, “Just do it”

To your Success, and Ignite your passion!