Set It, Plan It, Do It - Setting and Accomplishing Goals

Goal setting is one of the more important things that most people do not do. Effective goal-setting or lack there of, is the difference between doing and not doing. Simple as that. If you do not set goals for yourself, more than likely, you will run in place for most of your life. Goal setting is like a blueprint for a building, or ingredients for a delicious entree, or a map to a destination, or a business plan for a new company. It is vital for direction and outcome. You think an architect just verbally tells a constructor to put materials together and erect a building? Then how come you believe that you can just "wing" your way through life aimlessly knocking down your life objectives? Mastering goal-setting is the foundation on which you will build your life's plan. My approach to introducing holistic techniques and practices involves gradual exposure to unfamiliar concepts. For instance, if you want to become "vegan", you need to make small steps toward reaching your desired result. Some of us have the will-power and self-discipline to quit eating animal products & byproducts but most people are better suited for gradual change that eventually amounts to drastic improvement. This is the process of adding on which, in the long-run, better helps you sustain whatever change you're trying for. My first successful company was the result of simple goal-setting. I sold media (DVDs, CDs & Books) on eBay. I started with three titles, Godzilla vs Smog Monster, The Blog & 5 Deadly Venoms. My goal was to reach a certain amount of titles and develop a streamlined system of ordering, listing, shipping & follow-up. In order to do this I had to break down each "system" to simple steps. Example: Ordering 1. See what my suppliers have to offerrn2. Research titles to see if there is room for another seller of the same titlern3. Ensure that I will get my targeted profit margin (My system produced a 100% net profit)rn4. Figure out the quantity to order for each title (another system in itself)rn5. Make sure the remaining operating income will be sufficient (especially in the beginning)rn6. Place orderrn7. Track orderrn8. Receive order This was simplified to prove a point. The steps I had taken were brainstormed, researched and planned out thoroughly. Now, if you have a million dollar idea and money to back it, DO make a business plan or commission someone to do such. But, for most small ventures and life goals, simple & detailed goal-setting will definitely do the trick. A business plan is a fancy term for what to do, how to do it and how much it's going to cost. Do not get overwhelmed by languages. Break words down to their true, simple meaning. Business Plan --> Goal-Setting --> Steps to reach goal We, as humans, have a tendency to over-complicate things. Like a basketball player doing extra moves like dribbling between their legs, wrapping the ball around their back and doing a cross-over BUT it's a fast break and no one is guarding them. You get the point? Keep things simple and to the point so when you go to do it, there will be NO excuses. Anything starting with "but", is an excuse. Set it, Plan it, Do it! No buts. Set It, Plan It, Do It Steps: Set It (The Setup)rnHave you thought about your goal?rnEverything begins with thought. You must think of something before you can do it. Is it your intention to achieve your goal?rnYou must intend on achieving your goal. To just think about it, will not get it done. What is your goal?rnBe specific. List your goal and when you want to achieve it. Plan ItrnWhat are the benefits of achieving your goal?rnList as many as possible. This will be a part of what motivates you. What possible barriers will you face?rnList as many as possible. You will need to counter your barriers so you stay on course. What will you use for motivation?rnList as many as possible. Use this list daily to help you reach your goal. What is your plan?rnThis will vary with different goals. For instance, a lose weight goal will include what you need to do. Like, don't eat past 7PM, exercise 3 times per week and do cardio 5 times per week. Your plan needs to, in detail, explain how you are going to overcome your barriers. For instance, using the same example, if you get hungry after 7, you may want to do a simple five minute meditation to allow the hunger to subside. This plan needs to be very detailed and thorough. Do ItrnNo goal or plan is worth anything if you do not DO it. REVIEWrnReview your goals everyday to keep them fresh in your mind. How are you staying motivated? Are you still on course? Where are you having trouble? You should ask yourself this EVERYDAY! Review, review & review some more. Now go set & accomplish your goals!