We set goals every day. Sometimes it’s a little one like,” I’m going to clear off my desk,” and other times it might be a big one such as, “I’m going to go back to school and get a Masters degree!” The first thing I always tell coaching clients about goal setting is to begin with the end in mind. In other words, imagine or describe how this goal will look in your life when you have reached it. Do a little day dreaming!

In the case of the desk suggest above – imagine your desk as clear and orderly. Actually see it in your mind’s eye.

Think about how you will feel sitting at that desk.
·    How do you feel as you complete tasks?
·    What is your energy level as you sit at the orderly desk?
·    How’s your motivation for keeping it cleared?
·    Will you work faster or smarter?

All these questions just to motivate you to organize your desk! You’ll be amazed how well it works, especially as an anti-procrastination tool! Try it.

Now what about those big goals? They take a little more preparation – as they should. Getting a Master’s degree should take more thought than clearing your desk! Here are some guidelines for setting and reaching big goals.

Again, begin with the end in mind. Regarding the returning to school, imagine what you will do, who you will be when you complete this degree program. See yourself in your family and in the world with that degree.

Do you have more credibility?
·    How do people respond to you?
·    How do you feel about yourself?
·    Do you believe in yourself more? How does that affect you day-to-day?
·    What doors open more easily or wider?
·    What career advancements have come your way?

Goals that take longer to accomplish often require continued motivation. Here are some tools to help you stay focused as you move forward:

1. Acknowledge your source of motivation. What is it that you're working for? Why do you want to accomplish this particular goal?

2. Educate yourself. Discover what to expect – the pot holes and the smooth sailing aspects of getting where you want to go.

3. Enlist support. Going it alone is a recipe for failure. When you have companions along the way and discuss the journey with them, you will reach your goal faster and have more fulfillment as you go. This support could be a group of people with the same goal or a group of people who each have different goals but support the other group members. And finally it could be one person or a entire family who has your best interests as heart’s desire!

4. Your environment is paramount to your success. Create the work and living spaces that are motivational and conducive to success in the particular area of your goal and the path to it.

5. Write down your goals. This is often repeated wisdom. Write your goal and the motivations you have for reaching it. Even create a little story about how you will live your life once you reach the goal and then read it often! 

Here’s to a successful life!

© 2009, Jacqueline Hale