Goal Setting For Success!

We all wish we could reach our deepest aspirations with nothing more than the effort it takes to push a button. But we all know that's not the case. Very few get to live out their dreams to the fullest, and even so, it's at the end of a long arduous road. So what sets aside those who reach their goals and those that 'fall' b the wayside?

Goal setting, among other key mental modalities, is an important component in forging a strong foundation and pathing the way to your successes. Like headlights on a car at midnight, goal setting shines on the oncoming traffic and steers you from disaster. As long as you're still steering the vehicle that is. That in itself is the key to all success. Realization of the function of goal setting (providing clarity) and executing the process (keeping the car between the lines).

So how does goal setting aid in reaching success and how does one go about setting a goal?

As mentioned above goal setting is a conduit for clarity and direction. If you set a goal, whether it be short term, mid-term, or long term, it serves a purpose in providing a clear end point. The only rough water we'll encounter here is the idea that a goal is an end point. For those setting goals specific to themselves like weight-loss, viewing their final goal as an endpoint can be troublesome. Finally reaching that goal body weight or aesthetic doesn't mean the work is done, just means the work you need to put in has changed. This goes for most people's goals. Other goals, such as the Olympics, can be viewed more as an end point, especially for older/seasoned athletes. Not to say that once they make it to the Olympics they're done and need to retire. But the four year process is realized upon their completion of the Olympics (Peak), then the process recommences. This is similar to peaking for a weightlifting competition, sprint event, or getting the job you've always wanted. Yes you have to keep working, but a new goal is realized. Goals come in all time frames, specificities, and obscurities. But at the end of the day, a goal is a point outside of our current reach in which we wish to develop the abilities to grab hold of it.

Goal setting allows the individual to set an "end point" and work backwards to further develop smaller goals to help them climb their way to success. Instead of approaching a goal such as making it to the Olympics as a singular goal, a goal setter understands their final goal but approaches it by setting daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. These goals may look like...

Daily:

1. Wake up on time (eg: 6:00am) and get a good breakfast in

2. Complete all necessary tasks

3. Exercise

4. Stay hydrated

5. Fill out journal

Weekly:

1. 80-100% completion of workouts

2. Write 3 blog posts

3. East 80% clean meals

4. Get to bed between 9:30-10:00pm 5/7 days

Monthly:

1. Progress pics every Sunday

2. 80% completion of workouts

3. Learn two knew things

4. Read 1-2 books

5. Make money

Yearly:

1. Erase all debt

2. Buy a house

3. Win state championship

4. Gain 5lbs of muscle

Clearly the further away the goal the less specific the goal is itself. Lending hand to the idea that setting a singular "big" goal is helpful in building a base of further smaller goals that add up to the penultimate goal.

If I went around a room of 20 people and asked them what their goals were i'm sure i'd come back with not just 20 goals but 40+. Safe to say everyone has goals. But how does one go about setting a goal, other than "I want to... well i'd sure like to....one day i'll...."

Setting a goal requires two things (predominately):

1. Realism (Being humble and understanding)

2. Commitment

Realism speaks to the fact that everyone wants to be a bagillionaire, but let's be realistic and choose a goal that adheres to our current status and what would be best beneficial to you. DON'T GET ME WRONG if your aspiration is to make a boat load of money and be the richest person to ever live, by all means let that be your goal. Just know the next step will be of extra importance to you.

Being realistic shouldn't take away from what your goal is. Most goals are unrealistic, thus the reason they are goals in the first place. But there are goals that are outside our grasp (i.e be 6'5" when you're genetically predetermined to be 5'9") and there are goals within our grasp (i.e be a world class squash player). Ideally when setting a goal we choose something in the grey zone, a goal that is just outside of our grasp, but with enough commitment, the feat is attainable. A good goal is one that affords you the opportunity to make yourself better regardless of the outcome and sets you up for success outside of the main targeted goal.

So step one, be realistic, but do not be afraid to bite off a little more than you can chew.

Commitment is the key to all goals. If you are unable to commit to the process and develop a sense of pride surrounding your goal then it will be awfully hard to attain what you have set out to achieve. What makes pro athletes, successful business people, and high profile celebrities et al. so appealing is their work ethic. What got them to their current status is commitment to the goal. Setting aside comfort for fear and unknowing. All the while staying committed to the cause and being realistic with their approach to reaching their goals.

Some goals are reached by chance, others gifted, but for the majority of people a goal is realized through commitment, determination, and an unwavering belief in the process.

So next time you wish to set a goal, or you're working on one now, just know that, like anything, reaching a goal takes time. Maybe it comes with daily or weekly victories, or some 4 years down the road, regardless, setting goals paths the way to being one step closer to something or someone you aspire to be. Take a chance on yourself, bite off a little more than you can chew, and stay steadfast on the goal.

And remember, progression is built through consistency and tested by passion!

JB