The secret to achieving more of what you want

Greetings:

Part of the action process is to set clear goals, create a plan, take the steps and get support. This is the same process I have used for over 12 years. And when people stick with the process it works. Now I have research that backs me up.

In 1998, the ASTD (The American Society for Training and Development) released a study on goal achievement that said:

Of people consciously deciding to SET a goal, 25% achieved that goal.
Of people deciding WHEN they will achieve their goal, 40% achieved that goal.
Of people who planned HOW to achieve their goal, 50% achieved that goal.
Of people who COMMITTED their goal to someone else, 65% achieved that goal.

The first step in any goal process is to decide. The decision is the biggest step. Part of that is to decide what you want. Many people don't know or they are foggy about it. They say things like "I want a new job." Well if you got a job at the local grocery store that would be a new job. However for most people that isn't what they want. You have to be clear so the Universe knows what to deliver to you. Not being clear on what you want is like going into a restaurant and saying, "Oh I just want something to eat." If all you want is something to eat when the waiter brings you Pig Tails you would be happy right? Wrong. You need to be specific or you will end up with whatever!

The goal needs to have a time line. You need to know "by when." Without know that it is like saying the same thing as someday. Well someday never comes. Be specific with when you want to have the goal accomplished.

I have a caveat to this. There are times when you simply won't know how long it will take. Be flexible with the time and be willing to change when you need to. When I first started working on my Doctorate I set a time frame for three years. That quickly became apparent that it wasn't going to happen in that length of time. So I adjusted my schedule and set goals for having each goal within the larger goal accomplished. I stayed focused on the end goal and took the daily action necessary to achieve it. It took me longer than I had originally thought it would but I didn't know how much was involved when I first began.

I actually wouldn't say "plan how" because the how is really none of your business however I would say you need a plan of the steps you need to take, at least the ones to get started. As you take the steps known to you the "How" will be revealed. You achieve your goals one step at a time - and often you only know the next one or two steps to take at any given time.

Commit to someone else you are going to achieve your goal and you are more likely to achieve it. I don't know why this works I just know that being accountable to someone else makes it more likely that you will achieve what you said you would. Enlist the support of a trusted friend, coach or mentor. Check in with them regularly and report your progress. They will help you stay on track, will point out weak spots you might not see and give you encouragement through the difficult times. I always say that it is just easier to achieve your goals "when two people are rowing the boat."

The key is to decide, create a time line, make a plan and get support. Do this and you have a greater chance of achieving your goals.

Here's to taking action

Rachelle