Setting Personal GoalsThe Trick to Setting Personal Goals -or- How Personal Development Makes It Easier to Achieve Your Goals
Have you ever noticed that achieving some goals is almost effortless, but you struggle to make headway on other goals? When setting personal goals that are out of alignment with your personality, getting results is difficult. In essence, who you are blocks you from becoming who you want to be.
Sometimes, you need to work on yourself before you can reach your goals. For example, if you want to lose weight, but always struggle to do so, then maybe your behavior doesn't support a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps you don't have enough self-discipline, value exercise enough, or maybe you aren't strong enough to resist temptation. It will be tough to lose weight if you don't have the kind of skills that are needed to lose weight. Likewise, it will be difficult to get a promotion, buy a house, get married, or save for retirement if your personality doesn't match up with the goal. Through personal development, you can consciously develop the behaviors you need to reach your goals. First, identify the behaviors you need to develop. Choose one of your goals and then create a list of 3 people who have already achieved your goal. What do they have in common? For example, if you want to get promoted, identify what common skills and behaviors promotable people display. Are they more confident? More driven for results? More competitive? Better at networking? More resourceful?
Next, ask yourself what each of the 3 people would do if they were in your shoes. In other words, if they were in your job, what would they do to get promoted? Now, review your notes and pick two qualities to develop over the next month. By developing these qualities, you will move towards achieving your goals. In addition to achieving your goals, you will also learn about yourself, your capabilities, and become a stronger, more resilient person.
|