As we start to get settled into 2013, those New Year
resolutions we made with both fervour and passion just after the stroke of
midnight can quickly be forgotten. We can start the year off with the best of
positive intentions, “I am going to make study notes throughout semester this
year at uni”, or “I will become fluent in Italian”, or even “I am going to keep
my desk tidy for the whole year” – and we all know how that last resolution
will end…
It is important to start the year properly; this includes
taking the time to sit down and pen those resolutions or dreams into goals. It
is a bit like when you are driving somewhere new, say for example we are
driving to Timbuktu. We know vaguely where it is, think we know how to get
there but then find we are actually driving through Nigeria. Having goals is
like having a road map on how to get to Timbuktu; goals are more than just
scribbled words on a piece of paper – when written correctly, they help us to
focus and direct our energy on what we want to achieve.
Now you have probably
done goal setting before and are probably thinking
“Yeah, yeah, I can set goals in my sleep”. However, sometimes we need gentle
reminders and pointers that result in a subtle change that can make a huge difference. So, some
ideas for when you sit down to set your goals:
·
Ensure
your goals are in alignment with your values and don’t contradict one another
o
For example – there is no point setting a goal
of making a million dollars this year if another goal is to spend meaningful
time with your family and friends each week through different activities, as
well as win a world championship medal. The first goal is incompatible with the
second two – both in terms of time commitment and the philosophies behind each
goal.
·
Develop
goals across different areas of your life
o
If we have goals relating to areas such as
sport, career or education, family, music etc., then this can help with balance
in life – you aren’t putting all your eggs into the one basket and aids in a
holistic life approach. Just remember the first dot point – ensure your goals
fit with one another.
·
Goals are
written in the positive
o
No point focusing on what we don’t want to have
happen or what we want to leave behind. We need to give our subconscious brain
the right goals to focus on, rather than have it thinking about ‘’that purple
elephant sitting on the roof eating cake”.
·
Use the
SMART acronym when setting goals
o
Goals need to be Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic, and Time-framed. So if we use a previous example of “I
want to become fluent in Italian”, a SMART goal would look something like “It
is December 2013 and I have just received in the mail my Level 1 Translator
Certificate from the National
Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters”. See the difference?!
·
Have both
big picture goals and stepping-stone goals
o
The example above is a big picture goal – how
are you going to get there? Stepping stone goals provide the pathway and break
the bigger goals down into achievable chunks.
·
If it hasn’t become obvious yet, you need to WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN!!!
o
Writing down your goals provides a roadmap to
success. It is also important once you have written down your goals that they
are literally in your face. You need to be constantly feeding your subconscious
about what you want. So before you go to bed each night, get a feeling,
thought, picture and sound of what it would be like to achieve your goal. Make
it real, believe it – that way, you are well on your way to achieving it. Maybe
even stick your goal on the bathroom door!
What goals will you achieve in 2013??!!
Until next time,
Ride safe, ride with a smile, ride in the moment,
Han
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