The Seven Steps to Goal Setting, Part 2

In the previous article, we introduced the seven steps to goal setting. We discussed the first three steps:

Now let’s continue the discussion and dive into the remaining four steps.

List all activities

A goal is comprised of many activities that need to be executed or else the realization of the goal will not be achieved. For instance, I had a goal of writing a book on investing in real estate, a task that appeared daunting at first. But when I began to write down all of the activities involved, such as selecting an editor, compiling content and gathering case studies, the goal became less harrowing and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. My coach made me realize all I needed to do was write one page per day, and I could have a book written within a year’s time.

Organize plan by priority and sequence

I refer to this stage as the chunking stage, where you have to “chunk” down all of your activities into more manageable sizes and begin to draw up a strategy to completion. Activities need to be ranked by priority and have to be followed by a sequence, or set of steps. For my goal, I knew that I needed to begin writing content, and then look for an editor. I would leave the case studies for the end of the book, but I needed help from a ghostwriter with the title and formation of the content. So I set about looking for a ghostwriter first, and then began to assemble the content I needed for the book.

Take action immediately and correct your course

I know many people who suffer from paralysis by analysis. They look over the figures once and then recheck their work, only to continue to doubt themselves. Finally, when they decide to pull the proverbial trigger, it’s too late and they lament that “Life isn’t fair” or “I tried”. If you take action immediately, two things occur. First, the fear or doubt you may possess will not be able to rear its ugly head. Secondly, you begin to create momentum, which I call the snowball effect. Any action or plan begins with a small snowball, but over time, with persistent, well-conceived action, this snowball begins to get huge.

A journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step. Here is your moment to begin that journey and take massive action. In your quest, there may have to be several adjustments, so start as soon as possible. I like to make the analogy of a pilot flying his plane from one destination to the next. His route is predetermined, but throughout the flight, he is constantly changing his course due to weather or other factors. Your goals and actions will change just as the pilot’s course, but with action and course correction, you will arrive just as the pilot does.

Use everyday to do something toward your goal

Never miss a day to keep pushing forward toward your goal. This momentum is vital to stay focused and disciplined for achieving your goals. I always schedule fifteen to thirty minutes of reading per day to keep myself in touch with what I need to get done. Choose to read something in your field, or in a related field to continue your growth and knowledge.

How do you begin your path to creating goals? Take out a sheet of paper and list your top 10 goals. List them as if you have already accomplished them. For instance, I earn $50,000 per year, I weigh 160 pounds. Writing your goals in the present allows your subconscious to start working on these goals immediately and gives you the impression that you can hit these targets. IF you say, I want or I should, there is not enough energy behind those words. The present tense is much more empowering and will lead to success.

Secondly, choose the most important goal written and get started. Take action immediately.

I hope this article has helped you craft your goals and helped you along your journey. Please leave me a comment and let me know what your top goals are.  – Gino