“The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them.” – Denis Watley
This quote above inspired me to write my call to action to put together my own personal goals list. I think it is important for everyone at some point in their life to put together their own personal goals list for self motivation. Sometimes we keep too many thoughts and ideas all bottled up in our heads and never get them out on paper to have an awakening moment. There’s no right or wrong time to sit down and go for it. In fact I’ve rewritten mine countless times due to the ever changing circumstances that come into my life. Below I comprised a simple 3-step consideration to when one takes the initiative to create their goals list.
Making The Change & Taking Charge!
First, there are many different types of time restrictions to consider when writing your personal goals list. Some prefer to aim for short-term strides from a 6-month period up to 3 years plans, while others may set a goal to be achieved by a certain date. You can put a title on your list such as, “Things I’d like to do before I turn 25 years old” or as many say in a drastic fashion, “Things I’d like to accomplish before I die”. However you choose to set the time restraints on your goals list, make sure it is suitable to your everyday life and that you are giving yourself an honest shot of achieving your goals in the time frame that you set.
Secondly, selecting realistic goals is a major key to being able to achieve them. Don’t just say, “I want to run a 5K and complete it in under 20 minutes” and then show up the day of the race expecting to compete and finish with a time under 20 minutes, because it just won’t happen. You need to elaborate on your goal and tell yourself, “I want to run a 5K under 20 minutes without any complications”. Therefore you kick out setting 2 goals, running the 5K and training to get in the best shape that will allow you to finish it in under 20 minutes. How you go about getting it accomplished is all up to the effort you put into wanting to get to the result(s) through the stepping stones you place for yourself along the way. Some goals don’t require much effort, but instead just the awareness of what it is you want to achieve. While other goals require a strong focus and commitment day in and day out to accomplish the task.
Finally, you want to list down the goals that mean the most to you. You can start anywhere from academics, physical well-being, financial relations, all the way to personal desires and conquests. It does not have to be in any specific order as long as the time frame that you set allows you to have a fair shot at attempting every goal and being able to achieve it in the long run. So what are you waiting for? Grab a piece of paper or if you really hate to write but prefer typing it up on a computer, then open a brand new blank word document page and without numbering just freely list down the goals that come to you for the allotted time you have in mind. When you are done, go back and review through your list, edit any typos and feel free to elaborate on your goals. Remember that elaborating makes you have a better and more clearer vision of what it is exactly that you want to accomplish. Ready, Set, Go-al!
Next Steps Once You Set Your Goals
Now that you have created your goals list, the next best thing to do is to take that piece of paper (print it out if you typed it up) and hang it in a place that you spend the most amount of time every day. Put it somewhere that you will be able to see it several times a day and add a nice big caption/header onto it to get your attention every time you look that way. The big caption/header will not only get your attention but will also help you constantly keep remind yourself that these are your goals, your dreams, your aspirations, and that you are working on them everyday even if you may feel that you are not. A lot of people say they want to or will do something and then they just never do it or come up with an excuse and try to justify it with what they feel is a reason. Don’t let yourself fall for that easy way out. In fact, I would call this the harder way out!
Why you may ask? Simply because by not doing anything you are putting yourself back into that same mindset and hole of a routine. You are comfortable and don’t wish to be disturbed. However change is a universal constant and although as stated above most people find it easy to say NO, but take a moment to consider why it is always easier to say YES to things that take away from your time, bank account, and happiness? That my friends is called a habit, and the sooner you take the action to break your poor habits and create strong life fulfilling ones, the sooner you will see a new era to your life and happiness.
If you don’t believe me, consider trying to make a list and doing everything on it for ONE MONTH. If nothing in your life changes from it, then I’ll let you have your pass. However, I can bet you that within 2 to 3 weeks in on your newly and actively changed routine of life, that you will see how by simply having a constant reminder in front of your face a few times a day will generate more enthusiasm to your way of living. Everyone wants a shortcut in life to get from point A to point B, unfortunately there just isn’t an easy way to get to point B unless you’re handed it and nothing comes simple without a little hard work and self perseverance.
Igor Burdetskiy is an enthusiast and adrenaline junkie to say the least. He enjoys going to the extremes such as hiking up multiple mountains in a day and playing hockey for hours on end. He lives his life as a never ending cycle to learning, exploring the world and making meaningful connections with people. He is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of http://hookedonhockeymagazine.com – Your Daily Dose For All Things Hockey!
Image Credit: Courtesy of Igor Burdetskiy
