Remember those 10 pounds you were supposed to lose last year? Or what about that fantasy novel you were supposed to start writing during that recent vacation?
Many people have goals and a basic outline of what their ideal life would be, but they don’t necessarily do what it takes to get the life they want. Luckily there are experts who can help you find that inner power to start living your true life right now.
Stever Robbins, the host of the “Get-it-Done Guy” business podcast, an executive coach and adjunct lecturer at Babson College, has four tips for people who know what they want to do in life, they just haven’t managed to get there yet.
1) “Stay connected to them on a regular basis. Draw out a life map that
connects your daily projects to your highest goals and review it daily, so
you can see how the little items are connected to your big motivators.”
2) “Plan for change. Any big change of goals will change who you hang out
with, what you talk about, and how you go about your daily life. Think that
through ahead of time, anticipate the changes, and set up structures to
make them happen.”
3) “Get a friend. It's easier when you have someone else and can hold each
other mutually accountable.”
4) “Start with action and controlled experiments. Don't quit your day job to
write your novel. Find ways to write small pieces at no risk, and then
increase your writing only if it's really giving you the joy/happiness/progress you want.”
Mark Wiggins, a motivational speaker, trainer, co-creator of the Journey to Success program, and author of the book “Permission to Succeed: The Only Person Who Needs To Give It Is You,” gave six straightforward steps of his suggested process toward achieving goals:
1. “Determine your destination.”
2. “Identify your purpose.”
3. “Set your goals.”
4. “Develop your strategy.”
5. “Take action.”
6. “Evaluate your progress.”
Michelle King, a personal and motivational life and relationship coach, has five motivational tips for people who need a jumpstart toward their goals:
1) “Get clear on exactly what it is you want to achieve and accomplish in life. Brainstorm the idea and strain out the maybe's and the no's pertaining to the goal. When you have reached a complete and utter ‘Yes, this is exactly what I want,’ then the ability to move forward becomes so much more smoother.”
2) “Set a time frame as to when this goal needs to be accomplished. A time frame creates an urgency and establishes the motivation that is needed to accomplish your affirmation.”
3) “Realistically, list exactly what it is that is slowing you down and standing in your way of achieving what you set out to do. Once you acknowledge the obstacles, consider how these obstacles are impacting your ability to move forward. One by one, work through the obstacles that are holding you back. You will discover that many of these obstacles are much more minimal than you thought, and can be overcome just by addressing that specific issue or eliminating it from your life. For example, if you are on a mission to lose 30 pounds but have a pantry filled with junk food, how else are you going to resist the temptation of eating the food if you don't get rid of it? Be bold and be brave about eliminating these obstacles -- it's only for your benefit.”
4) “Make sure you tell someone what you are trying to achieve so that you can receive the support you will need at obtaining your ultimate goal. Seek out a friend or professional that will ensure you are holding yourself accountable for what you desire to accomplish.”
5) “Once you've accomplished one major goal through this process, the ability to achieve the next goal or goals will be obtained with ease and confidence. Take it one step at a time.”
Nerina Garcia-Arcement, a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine, said in an email that it’s important to not just have major goals, but to have small goals along the way that are realistic. This helps build confidence and self-esteem enough to achieve even larger goals in the future.
She also suggested listing benefits of a certain goal, as well as the obstacles, and putting that list in a place that stands out the most at home or work. This list will be a reminder for achieving that major goal, and also help work on removing the obstacles.
Lauren Whitt, a motivational counselor and corporate wellness practitioner, has three additional unique tips to help you on your path to success:
1) "Track your goals daily by using a ‘mirror tracker.’ Using a dry erase marker, list out your goals on a mirror you look at daily. Make a note or tally of progress each day. This will help as both a reminder and a motivator as you see what you've accomplished."
2) "As you achieve both smaller and larger goals, reward yourself. For example, if your ultimate goal is to get fit and one of your initial goals is to go to the gym X amount of times per week and you meet that goal, reward yourself with a new workout accessory, like a shirt."
3) "Creating an inspiration wall is another way to remind yourself of the goals and dreams you are working towards. You can do this on the inside of a closet door, bulletin board or social media page. If your goal is to lose weight, hang pictures of your dream vacation spot or beach view. Then go there when you've achieved that goal."
Christine Cashen, a certified speaking professional, has three tips for accomplishing goals and getting the life you yearn for:
1) "Do three things every day to move you towards your goal. This way you don't get overwhelmed and keep moving forward.”
2) “Become an investigative reporter. Find people who have your dream job and speak with them about their path and what suggestions they may have. You may find a great mentor.”
3) “Take a risk. When you think you can't do something, use this risk chant (you must say it in chant voice): ‘Oh what the heck ... go for it anywayyyyy!’”
Sources:
Robbins, Stever. Email interview. June 20, 2012. http://www.steverrobbins.com/about
Wiggins, Mark. Email interview. June 20, 2012. http://www.journey2successpssp.com/index.htm
King, Michelle. Email interview. June 20, 2012. http://www.michellekinglife.com/
Garcia-Arcement, Nerina. Email interview. June 20, 2012. http://drnerinagarcia.com
Whitt, Lauren. Email interview. June 20, 2012. http://www.legacywellness.com/about-us
Cashen, Christine. Email interview. June 20, 2012.
Reviewed June 21, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith