Why Set Goals?

Harvard Business School researchers have taken a vital interest in what makes the difference in success or failure for people of similar backgrounds and educational standards. Their studies find that 3% of people are successful, 30% are moderately successful and 67% just exist. The significant difference for the 3% who are successful is that they have written down, specific goals. The 30% who are moderately successful have a general idea of where they are going but don't have any goals formalised. The rest are happy to watch the world go by.

What is interesting is that people in the 30% category only need to put in a small effort to jump into the next group. The secret behind the effort is 'the development of habits and strategies which support the achievement of clear goals'.

Benjamin Franklin discovered this secret the hard way. He was receiving constant criticism about his negative communication. He listed all the elements in his life that he had the courage to say did not support him or his relationships. He worked on one of these elements each month. He had set goals to develop new successful habits.

What habits do you need to change in order to achieve the success you deserve? Please look through the following questions about useful habits and overall strategies noting those that apply to you right now. What are you going to do about the habits and strategies that do not yet apply to you? Remember ... it takes courage to accept the truth. Successful people form habits to do the things that less successful people don't like to do.

Do you have a clear sense of purpose or direction for your life?
Are you able to stay focused and concentrate all your efforts onto one definite aim?
Are you usually able to make decisions and work consistently on them?
Are you willing to take a chance on a positive outcome - even if it is risky?
Are you willing to " do whatever it takes" - rather than "looking for something for nothing"?
Do you control your negative thoughts?
Do you practice good habits which contribute to your good health: Nutritious moderate diet; Regular exercise; Meditation or Yoga-type relaxation?
Do you tackle tasks immediately - rather than putting them off and procrastinating?
Can you persist in the face of difficulty? (When the going gets tough, many people give up)
Are you willing to aim high? (Many people put up with average goals and mediocre performance)
Do you seek out and surround yourself with people who encourage and coach you to great success? (Too many people listen to those who say "you can't")
Are you willing to learn, read and acquire the knowledge and skills to make you a generalist (able to adapt to and succeed in almost any environment)? (People who become too specialised become "white elephants" who cannot keep up with the speed of changes in our society)
Are you enthusiastic, committed and motivated?
Do you proactively make things in life happen for you? (Victims wait for things to happen to them)

There are many reasons people fail to set goals

Our education system focuses on filling our heads with the 'what' of learning - data, facts and figures. The learner is often passive. Goal setting requires assessment and problem solving skills. Goal getting involves application and organisation. The learner is active and requires original thinking, lateral thoughts, personal independence and responsibility.

Which of the following reasons have, in the past, contributed to your lack of consistent goal-setting and goal-getting:

Not making the time.
Don't know how.
Do not believe in own ability to design and create own life.
Wanting to please others and always do what you think others want you to do rather than choosing to do what you want to do.
Too many interests and activities creating an illusion of "busy-ness" but with no real focus and direction.
Fear of failure.
Fear of success.

The Benefits of Goal Making

People who set and get their goals are winners. Some have exceptional determination and long-term commitment and application. Just think of the thrill of the athlete who wins the Olympic medal. Goalgetters have a special glow - feeling fulfilled and happy in their achievements.

Think of a time you set a goal and steadily worked towards it to ultimate success.

How many of the following applied to you then:

Clear and focused direction giving a sense of security and purpose.
Maximum use of time.
Enthusiasm is high for what you want.
Moving steadily towards and achieving the results you really want and ultimate success.
Boosted self-esteem, confidence and belief in your ability to make things happen and feel in control. Remember ... the greatest stress in life is that which comes from feeling out of control and powerless.

How can I effectively define my goals?

top

GoalMaker Pty Ltd | 5 Fifth Avenue, Aspendale Vic 3195, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9580 5073 | Fax: +61 3 9580 4908
Email: information sales support feedback