Set a Goal

Goal setting is very important because it focuses your attention and creates a target. Most people fail to go through the formal process of goal writing. Getting out a piece of paper and actually writing down your goal keeps your objective in the forefront of your mind. It also forces you to decide on what you truly want, rather than relying on luck or fate.

Check out this simple process to create a goal that will make a positive difference in your life:

1. Limit your goal to the area you’re focusing on. It’s easier to start with only one goal. After you have some success with achieving it, you can aim for 2 or more goals simultaneously.

2. Establish a clear endpoint. Some goals are easier to quantify than others. Setting money and bodyweight goals are easy. You can simply choose a number of dollars or pounds and go from there. Other goals can be more challenging.

3. Set a deadline. Without a deadline, your goal will lack a sense of urgency. Then it may drag out forever.

1. A helpful time frame is four to twelve weeks. Set your deadline within this time period. Less than four weeks may not provide enough time to achieve anything significant, and more than twelve weeks will commonly result in a loss of focus.

4. Make your goal challenging, yet achievable. Attempting to lose 75 pounds in 12 weeks isn’t very realistic. On the other hand, trying to lose 3 pounds in 12 weeks isn’t challenging enough.

5. Write your goal. A simple, but effective, format is, “On or before (date), I will have done whatever is necessary and appropriate to have (goal).”

6. Create an endpoint success image. Write a paragraph or two describing what you think it will be like when you accomplish your goal.

1. People tend to think in pictures. It’s difficult to remember something without using any imagery. Use your powers of visualization to your advantage.

1. For example: “I’m on the scale and I’m thrilled to see that I lost 23 pounds! I feel so proud of myself! I really did it! All my clothes are too big, so I’m going to call Mary and see if she wants to go shopping with me today. It feels great to have so much control over my life, and I feel so much healthier, too.”

1. Keep improving your image of success until it’s a “10” for you. Creating a desirable image will motivate you.

That’s all there is to it. Setting a goal will dramatically boost the odds of changing your life for the better! Keep your goal and endpoint success image handy at all times.

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.”

- Napoleon Hill