HOW TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS FOR 2019
If you are like me or like most people, you would have set your goals for 2019. It could be the usual New Year Resolution or a more formal goal-setting process. Statistics show that while most people set goals at the turn of every year, only about 8% achieve their goals. Most abandon them somewhere along the line. This essay will show you how to achieve your goals for 2019 and make 2019 your best year ever.
As we round up the first quarter, it is time to review how we have fared in the pursuit of our goals. The fact remains that the problem with most people is not setting goals. The real problem is how to achieve those goals. Many do not set goals at all because of the high failure rate; they just coast along and accept whatever life throws at them. This should not be the case. Anyone should be able to make 2019 their best year ever by following the simple steps outlined below.
1. First, Ducks do not set Eagle goals
Goal-setting begins in the mind. King Solomon of ancient Israel said “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” The first step to goal-setting is to deal with our limiting beliefs – the ‘plausible’ reasons we give for not being who or what we would otherwise desire to be’, for not doing what we would otherwise desire to do.
And limiting beliefs will limit the size of goals you set and undermine your ability to achieve the purpose for which you were sent into this world.
But what type of goals would you set if you knew you couldn’t fail? If your answer is different from what you have set then it proves that limiting beliefs are at work.
2. Second, Set SMARTER Goals
You need to answer a common question seasoned coaches ask their clients: “How would you know if you have achieved your goal?” Michael Hyatt, American author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and the former chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers provides the answer: Goals should not only be SMART; they must be SMARTER.
That means, goals must be:
- Specific. For example, weight loss is a popular goal for many. But saying “I have to lose some weight” is not specific. I want to lose 3 Kg is specific. It is easy to tell if you have or have not achieved it.
- Measurable. All that is required to tell if you have achieved the goal above is just to step on the scales. End of story!
- Actionable. A goal that doesn’t involve action is just a wish. You may have to reduce food portion, change diet, do regular exercise, etc. to achieve your goal.
- Risky. There is always the chance that you might fail to achieve your goal, with all the consequences that go with that.
- Time-bound. A Time-bound goal involving weight loss would be something like, “I will lose 3 Kg by 30 April 2019.
- Exciting. This makes external motivation to continue unnecessary. People in weight loss programs tend to be excited with the initial results and are motivated to continue. It is a lot harder to keep pushing to attain a goal that is not exciting.
- Relevant. Goal should be relevant to one’s season of life. This should provide the reason why the goal is necessary in the first place.
“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily” ~ John Maxwell
3. Third, Documented Goals
Research shows that vividly describing goals in written form is strongly associated with goal success. Describing goals in details provides clarity among other benefits. Then post it in prominent places where you can always see it. This provides a visual reminder every day.
4. Fourth, Develop A Plan of Action
A goal without a plan is just a wish. This does not have to be anything complex; just what needs to be done and when. However, do not need to have a clear plan from beginning to the end. Depending on the size and complexity of the goal you may have to approach it much like driving in the night.
5. Fifth, Distill into intermediate goals and daily action items
The Secret of a man’s success, according to John Maxwell, is found in his daily routine. Your goal must call for daily action.
6. Sixth, Establish and Carry out periodic reviews
Expecting everything to go just as planned is to live in a fool’s paradise. The reality is that many things will interfere with your plan. Periodic review provides opportunity to review your goals and plans, make course correction or even discard goals that are no longer relevant.
7. Seventh, Accountability
Research has shown that 92% of those who achieved their goals had accountability partners. An Accountability partner is someone you share your goals with and request to hold you accountable through periodic (weekly or monthly) review.
8. Eighth, Celebrate small success
As I mentioned earlier, celebrating small successes keeps you motivated. And celebration doesn’t have to be elaborate.
In concluding I would like you to understand that your goal should not be a description of where you are today but where you want to be sometime in the future. It should reflect both faith and realism – both God and You. When you truly commit to your goals you begin to draw opportunities, people and other resources necessary for the attainment of your goals.
To live without a goal is to live for nothing.
