Zen Success: Try Setting Your Goal or Resolution Like This.....

Tools needed: A pen and a piece of paper.

Sit at your desk or wherever you feel comfortable. It should be quiet; you shouldn’t be in danger of being interrupted in any way. Wait until the kids are in bed, turn off the TV, unplug the phone, turn down the lights if possible. You need to be able to see, but we’re not doing needlepoint here.

List the major areas of your life; a few ideas: Relationships (family, friends, work, etc.,.), Health/Body, Finances, Adventure/Fun, Housing, Car, Career, Spiritual, Hobbies, etc.,.

What are some things that pop into your mind? Write them down. Some examples:

“My car breaks down all the time.”

“I haven’t done anything fun in years.”

“I don’t get to spend enough time on my hobbies.”

“My girlfriend/boyfriend is not the right person for me.”

“I hate living in an apartment; I want a house.”

“I never have enough money.”

Now write down your perfect version for each of the things you listed. For example, “I’m with ideal person. I love him so much I can barely stand it. He is perfect for me in every way.”

Next, look at your list of ideal versions and ask yourself, “Which of these would have the biggest positive impact on my life right now?” That’s the area in which you need to formulate your goal. Consider where you want to ultimately end up and make a goal that is tough, but not unreasonable, to achieve in 6 to 12 weeks. This may just be a first step to reaching your ultimate vision, but moving in the right direction is invaluable. Some bigger goals take years, but always keep it in 6-12 week bites.

Write the end version in this format: “Before March 1, 2011, I will have done whatever is necessary and sufficient to have XYZ.” (e.g. XYZ = a house that means the following criteria: 1 story, basement, 3bdrms, etc.,).

It’s important that your goal, be 1) Time restricted, 2) Specific and 3) Measurable. The statement above meets all these requirements. You have a time-line (March 1, 2011); you have specifics ( 1 story, basement, etc.,.); you have a measurable goal (you’ll know if you’re living in the house or not).

A side-story: Many years ago, I worked at chemical company. During a monthly “town-hall” style meeting, the CEO said one of your goals was “to be the best specialty chemical company in the world.” I asked him how we would know when we had achieved it. He said, “You’ll know because I’ll tell you.” I asked him, “How will you know?”. I never got a response, but the company went in the toilet and was forced to partner with another company. The combined companies are essentially bankrupt.

Start the year on the right foot and formulate the right goal properly.