There are many people who feel like they’re working their butt off, but they aren’t getting anywhere. I know because I was once one of those people.
But, here’s the thing. Life can be broken down into goals. Now, don’t get overly ‘focused’ on achieving each goal exactly how you expect it to be achieved. Some goals will work out exactly as planned and you may hit some speed bumps on others.
Obstacles get in the way of our goals sometimes… and that’s okay. We just have to push that boulder over or walk around it to continue moving forward.
Goal-Setting: Where Do I Begin?
Here’s a BIG problem I have noticed many have. As both a Professor, a CEO, and a Professional Writer, I have realized how difficult it is for people to set goals (and I do have trouble myself sometimes, too).
In a seminar this week, I was informed of the SMART method. It’s actually quite interesting.
The SMART method is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound goals. Well, we all know those are all important- but how much have we really thought about our goals?
Goal setting is powerful. It’s powerful because it lets you see the milestones you have accomplished behind you, the ones that are right in your lap, and those to come.
Goals can motivate. Inspire. Help you dream.
And, if you have a family, goals are particularly important.
As a single mother, goals are extremely important to me and I do my best to make sure all of my goals are attainable. But, in all reality, I am a dreamer and I dream BIG. The dreams may not come true immediately, but step-by-step, goal-by-goal, I become closer. And, you can too.
The Goal-Setting Process
- What’s your life goal? What do you want to achieve in your lifetime? Mine was to become a Mother. My biggest dream has already come true. My next life goal is to ensure my company continues to build and someday find a special man my little boys and I can share our lives with on a farm. Someday. A man who loves his family, cares for his family, and cherishes every moment spent with us. To me, family is what is most important in life.
- How do you attain the life goal(s) you have set? Of course my goal of finding someone for my boys and I to share our lives with isn’t a ‘step-by-step’ process, but the continuous building of my company is (and purchasing a farm is whether that’s on my own or with someone special someday). Break it down into steps. For example, one of the “small” steps I take every single day involves marketing. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy and marketing is critical to ensure your business stays afloat.
- Keep notes. Keep a journal with all of your goals; daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. Place a check mark next to them as you make your accomplishments.
If you’re in a ‘rough spot’ in your life, keeping goals will also help inspire you, bring you courage, and motivation to continue to move forward.
What if I Don’t Meet My Goals?
What if you don’t meet the goals you have set? Keep going! Sometimes goals can take longer to achieve than what you had originally planned. Don’t give up. Keep going. You can do this!
“If you can dream it, you can do it!” -Walt Disney
