Most people begin the new year with resolutions or goals. Unfortunately, only a few achieve them. In fact, studies show that less than 10% of people who set goals achieve them. What does this small category of people do differently? One reason people fail to achieve their goals is that they lack focus. With so many activities competing for our attention, it is easy to be distracted from those productive ones that directly impact our goals, positively. Here are a few suggestions to help you focus on your goals for the rest of the year.
Make Your Goals Realistic & Achievable:
Be realistic and conservative when you are setting your goals. You need to be able to make goals that are attainable or achievable. Don’t make too many goals at one time so that you become overwhelmed. Think about the real reason behind the goals you have set. In what ways would your goals benefit you? Do you have all the necessary resources? Is it “your” goal or someone else’s? Examine your motives. Have strong convictions about your goals so that when the going gets tough, you keep going.
If you do not start with realistic goals in the beginning, you will not be able to stay focused on them. Your motivation will be zapped.
Write Down Your Goals:
Studies have shown that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them. If you don’t write down your goals how are you going to remember them? Or tweak them? Or access them? You need to write down your goals.
There are many ways to keep them at the fore-front of your mind. If you don’t want to write them in a notebook or planner, then you may think about hanging a white-board on the wall and writing your goals there. Your goals will always be in front of you.
By having your goals in front of you constantly, you are more likely to stay motivated to achieve them.
Be Accountable:
Another way you can stay focused on your goals is through accountability. One way of being accountable is by collaborating with people with the same goals as you. For instance, if you have a goal of losing weight, find a work-out partner and hold each other accountable or to attend weight-loss meetings. I did this for several years and it was very helpful. If you want to increase your savings, you could join a transparent, well-structured group established for that purpose. Most traders use this means to achieve their financial goals. You could also share your plans with people you know who have succeeded in the area of your focus and ask them to keep you accountable. By doing so, you will benefit from their valuable experiences and much-needed encouragement. Some people turn to the internet community for accountability purposes, by blogging on their journeys, for example. Staying focused on your goals requires commitment; being accountable makes the whole process a bit easier.
Another way to hold yourself accountable is to post your goals on social media. I see people do this all the time. Then as you attain or achieve your goals, let the whole world know. Everyone deserves a pat on the back and when you achieve your goals – Shout it out!!
Develop the Right Attitude:
What happens when your zeal fades or when you are confronted with threats, most, beyond your control? Will you quit or will you still forge ahead? People who achieve their goals factor in these events, and when they happen don’t abandon their plans. Find new ways to inspire yourself or a friend or family member who inspires you. Let the progress you would have made, no matter how little it is, inspire you. Rather than focus on the challenges that you face, think of new ways to solve them. You need to develop the right attitude of persistence, diligence and strong determination to pull through. You can do it!
When you focus on your goals to achieve them, you place yourself in a position where you are more in control of your life. However, what is equally important as what you achieve is who you become in the process – self-confident, driven and focused people will conveniently take on more challenging tasks.
Good Luck!
Pamela
