We all have certain goals that we want to achieve in our lives. However, we often get de tracked and lose sight of it. But I want to ask you these questions: What makes it possible to achieve our goals? How do you plan your goals in life? According to Indeed career, A life plan is a road map for your life that helps you prioritize what is important to you, make decisions based on your priorities, and move toward the life you want. There is always a reason why we are not able to fulfill our goal, and the most common reason for failing to fulfill a goal is patience. We want things to be done instantly, instead of waiting, planning, and working tirelessly to achieve it.
But how should we go about wanting something to follow and achieving it? How do you know your goals in life? How to still keep pushing when stuck in worst life situations? Fortunately, there is a simple 3-step process to accomplish any goal in life.
Three-Step Process for Achieving Any Goal in Life
There are no big steps required to succeed in life. All we need to do is to be consistent, flexible in our approach, and not give in to the fear of failing!
Role of Three W’s in Goal Setting
The three W’s are critical to achieving any goal in life. We first need to clearly understand the definition of three W’s to be able to push through the daily challenges that life throws at us. The best way is to pick a notepad or diary and start defining each W in our life.
The First W – What?
The first W stands for What? What exactly is your goal? You clearly need to know and understand it. Make sure it is specific. The reason for making it specific is because your mind automatically goes through a certain mental shift when you layout precise details related to the goal you want to achieve.
Setting goals this way clears the entire picture and makes it possible to visualize it. For example, instead of wanting to be thin, set specific kilos that you want to lose, the food you want to consume, and the clothes you want to fit in. Such goal details shift the arbitrary looking target to a doable and realistic target.
The Second W – When?
The second W of goal setting is “When?.”You must know the time frame of achieving your goal. Set a realistic time period. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, plan it over a period of 4 to 6 months. When you are realistic about the goal time, you stay motivated and are very likely to achieve it.
Specifying an exact time frame also helps in breaking your goals into milestones. For example, if you want to lose 90 pounds, set the time limit to a year. Then break it further into milestones. This makes it about 2.08 pounds per week and is seemingly doable. You can also calculate the exact calorie count to set your diet and exercise in order to attain the goal.
The Third W – Why?
The third W is “Why?.” You must know why you want to achieve a certain goal to stay motivated during tough times. If you do not know the reason why you are doing what you are doing, you would give up halfway through the chase. The reason needs to be strong enough so that you can pull through the entire goal chasing time.
In short, you need to have a clear idea of not just what and when but also why you want it. Jot it down on a piece of paper instead of leaving it in your mind. Writing your goals would help you engage in active goal setting and to go through the drill you are required to do.
In addition to the three W’s, you can further take help from the 7 points to set your direction right when it comes to setting and attaining goals.
7 Ways to Set The Right Direction Towards Your Goal
If you find it hard to make your dreams come true, don’t worry. Here are 7 ways to set and achieve your goals:
- Set Goals that Motivate You
Instead of doing things that everyone is doing, listen to your inner self when setting a goal. Set a goal that motivates and inspires you. You will only be able to achieve your goal if you are passionate about it. This also pushes you to do the work required to achieve it.
- Take Charge
Life-changing goals are those that you dream about achieving ‘one day’ instead of today. This needs to change if you really want to live your dream. Instead of wishing for that job, lifestyle, etc, you need to get out there and take charge of your destiny.
- Be Optimistic
According to Earl Nightingale, an American writer, your attitude towards life defines life’s attitude towards you. Say no to negative energy and thoughts or it will come right back at you. If you keep telling yourself that you won’t be able to do it, guess what? You won’t be able to do it. This means that you must focus on adapting a can-do attitude to realize your goals even if you are still learning your way around it. Shut down all the negative thoughts including doubts and become an optimistic person.
- Take It Easy and Take a Balanced Approach
Don’t be obsessed about attaining your goal. It would only burn you out. You are a human being and you must rest too in between to be able to continuously work towards achieving your goal.
You can set some specific time aside each week to work on a goal. For example, if you want to leave your job and set up your own business, you must define a plan of action to work upon with each passing day.
- Set Milestones
Define the main goal and break it down into small achievable milestones. This would keep you motivated to not only work towards it but also to feel satisfied and even as a winner after achieving it.
- Take Failure Positively
Goal setting is never smooth. There are many roadblocks and obstacles that you will face along the way even if you have done all the planning etc. But instead of letting failure define you and bring your morale down, you must take it positively. Learn from your failure and adjust your journey towards your goal.
- Don’t Struggle Alone
There is no doubt you will struggle at times during the goal chasing process. However, instead of struggling alone, you can always consult with a mentor, call a friend or family member that you are close to for some advice. They may share their experience with the goals they have achieved in life and this would boost your morale.
Last but not the least, don’t give up. Trace your progress and visualize the end result to consistently stay motivated. This way you would gain and build on the momentum required to achieve your lifelong goal!
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