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After my last article and my mention of goal setting
I started to think about my own goals for the
quickly approaching 2007 New Year. I have some goals
I revise and reuse every year. Writing down my goals
clarifies what I want to accomplish, as stated by
author Arnold Patent, "What you focus on expands". I
apply this belief to every area of my life and it
always rings true. When you focus on positive,
forward thinking thoughts you don't have time to
dwell on past mistakes, negative thoughts or outside
distractions. It keeps you thinking, even
subconsciously, on how to achieve your objectives.
Every January countless Americans make resolutions
regarding changes they want to make in and for
themselves. Most people never do anything to see
these resolutions become reality. The pivotal
mistake is not writing down the goals. As Gene
Donohue, founder of TopAchievement.com says, "The
difference between a dream and a goal is the written
word". Write down your goals, short-term and
long-term. Be specific and write down dates,
specific outcomes and how you plan on achieving your
goals. Make sure your goals are realistic and
attainable. You probably won't achieve your dream to
become a Major League Baseball player if you have
never picked up a bat and you're 50 years old.
Goals you set for yourself don't have to be monetary
or professional-status related. They can be to
improve a skill or characteristic by taking a class
or seminar, or to read several monthly industry
magazines. Think about quitting something... smoking,
interrupting while people are talking, not keeping
eye contact in a conversation, or being late to
meetings. You might want to organize your work
space, files, or a database. Maybe you can work to
increase revenues, marketing strategies or even
leisure time. How about offering pro bono work or
some kind of community service to help others as a
goal for this year?
Whatever your goals are, it is important that you
review them often - preferably daily. Say the goals
out loud or write them repeatedly to secure them in
your mind. Another good habit is to review them in
your mind before you go to bed and again in the
morning to start your day with right thoughts.
Practice stopping the negative talk in your head -
it will defeat you if you let it. This takes a while
to accomplish but every time you change your
negative thoughts to positive ones you are making a
difference. The more often you catch yourself and
change your thoughts the easier it becomes.
Wanting badly to accomplish your goals is also
important for them to be achieved. Keep the desire
fresh by focusing on the final outcomes of your
goals. Imagine what it will feel like and the
difference it will make in you life after your goals
are achieved. Hold on to those feelings and visit
them often to keep you motivated while working
toward your goals.
Finally, learn to believe your goals as the truth.
Then watch what happens. One year from now, how many
goals were accomplished? I bet you'll be surprised
and delighted. When it happens - reward yourself!
Even if it is just a pat on the back or a star
sticker next to your written list of goals, you
deserve it. Realize you can accomplish anything
through setting goals, a strong desire to achieve
them and proper, positive thought patterns.
Happy New Year!!
Kris Plantrich is the
owner of ResumeWonders Writing and Career Coaching
Services. She is certified in Resume Writing and
Interview Coaching, experienced and affordable and
is nationally published. The original copy of this
article can be seen by visiting
www.resumewonders/blogspot.com. Reuse
of this article is encouraged but must include a
link to
http://www.resumewonders.com.
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