Are You Reaching Your Goals?

January is the most popular month to set some new goals. Maybe your clothes are tight from overindulging in the Christmas feast, or you're having trouble leaving the couch to exercise. If you're miserable in your job and would like to tell the boss to take a hike, one of your goals might be looking for another job or starting your own business.

I've mentioned in previous blogs, that one of my favorite books is the "Success Principles" by Jack Canfield. This inspirational read details some of the reasons that people fail to reach their goals.

It Takes Too Much Effort

You may be unhappy in your job because your boss is a jerk, your co-workers can't mind their own business, or you have to get up an hour earlier to make it to work on time. Instead of trying to work things out with your boss or co-workers, or investigate transportation options, you continue to complain, and tolerate the situation.

You might be eligible for a promotion, if you take some college courses, but you would have to drive across town to attend classes, and you would miss the "America Idol" finals, or the championship basketball game on TV. It's easier to complain that you never get a break, and not take action.

Tight clothes can be altered to fit, and thoughts of beaching on the couch channel surfing, or playing video games, are more attractive options than getting off your duff and hitting the pavement.

You Risk Disapproval

Another reason for failure to reach goals is that someone may disapprove. What would your husband, children, mother, or brother say if they knew you were giving up a secure job to start a new business? Are you ready to hear the chants of you're not going to make it, stop being so irresponsible, or you're not a kid anymore, you need job security?

The disapproval of others can derail your diet and exercise plans as well. You may hear comments such as you don't need to lose weight, you've haven't been successful before, or you're going to get sick, and have to go to the doctor.

Be More Specific

Instead of having vague goals such as retirement, traveling, and volunteering in your community, be more specific. I will retire on August 5, 2012, travel to all 50 states, and volunteer in my community with the ASPCA.

Making goals more specific allows you to visualize these events and how you want them to happen. As you retire on Aug 5, 2012, you can visualize yourself standing and shaking hands in a retirement reception, cutting the cake, and giving a speech to your co-workers.

When you begin traveling to different states, you can visualize what mode of transportation you'll use. Would you rather drive, fly, or go by train? Would you stay in a hotel, bed and breakfast, or park your trailer in a campground?

What area of the ASPCA are you the most interested in? Would you rather be involved in feeding the animals, clean up, or serving as a foster family until a pet is adopted?

Whether you're interested in creating a good income, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or anything in between, set some specific goals, and hold yourself accountable.