How to Set a Goal and Achieve It

For some of us, goal setting is a concept we have heard of don't really understand. We start out with an idea for something we would like to have, or be, or do. And some of these ideas are really important to us. We get excited about them and find ourselves thinking about how wonderful it would be to actually achieve them. But days go by, and then weeks, and one day those ideas are gone. But by following a few simple steps and applying a little discipline, anyone can learn to set and achieve nearly any goal.

Goal setting is a process, not an end in itself. And there are concrete, logical steps you can take to achieve any goal you set for yourself. Some of these steps might seem obvious and even a little silly at first, but skipping any of them may well derail your entire plan, so be sure you follow the steps outlined below.

The first step is to write down a list of things you would like to achieve. This is the fun part of the process. Get a piece of paper and write "Master Goal List" at the top. Then write a list of things you want to achieve. You can write down anything you want. You might write, "I want the biggest collection of video games in the neighborhood." Or you can put down, "I want to be the president of my company." Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how silly or improbable it might sound. If you think a canoe trip down the Yangtze River sounds like fun, go ahead and write it down. If an idea seems too small to really worry about, write it down. The important thing at this stage is just to get your ideas down on paper.

Choose a time each and every day to go over your goal list. It is important never to cross something off this list unless you have actually achieved that goal. Even if you are not certain you really want to do something on the list, leave it there. And if something else comes to mind while you are reviewing your list, be sure to add it.

Next, choose one or two goals from your list and, on a separate sheet of paper, write down each goal at the top of the sheet. Write down everything you can think of about that goal and what you will need to do to achieve it. Take your time and try to think of everything you can, and include any obstacles you might see that need to be overcome.

Write a separate line for each step you think of and be as specific as you can. Is there something you need to learn in order to achieve your goal? If you want to build something, what supplies do you need? If you want to buy something, how much money do you need and what do you need to do to get the money? Ask yourself some questions about your goal and write down the answers. Some steps can be done immediately, and some might take a little longer. But by now, you know what you need to do to actually achieve your goal.

Now think about the steps you've written down. Figure out what steps you can take right now to begin working toward your goal. Now it is time to get out another sheet of paper. This sheet is to be used to write down your daily goals. Transfer the first step on your "steps list" to your daily goal list.

I make it a practice every night just before bedtime to write down a list of things I plan to accomplish the next day. I do this by reviewing my overall goal list, and my steps lists. Whatever I think I can do in the next day toward those goals goes on my daily goal list for the next day. Then at the end of the day, I review that list and transfer anything I haven't completed to the next day's list.

It is very important to get into the habit of actually doing the things you wrote down on your daily list. And I have found by experience that writing it down is important. Trying to keep goals in your mind does not work. The old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind," is very true. Having a list to look at keeps your goals right in front of you, and being able to cross steps off your list carries with it a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

At the end of each day, review your Master Goal List. You can add to it, or cross off goals you achieved that day. Then look at your steps lists and figure out what is the next step you need to take. Be sure to cross off any steps you have already achieved, and add others as they come to mind.

Even big goals become easier if they are broken down into smaller steps. You will almost certainly find out that no goal is too big to actually achieve, and as you make it a habit to check your goal list each and every day, you will find yourself crossing off more and more goals. And hopefully, you'll find yourself adding to your Master Goal list just as often. As soon as you've completed one goal, file it in your "Goals I've Achieved" file and pick the next goal off your Master Goal List. Follow the same steps to achieve your next goal. I promise you, you will be surprised by the things you can achieve by following this easy method.

There is one more thing I would like you to do. Pass this method on to someone you think might benefit from it. I have been privileged over many years to see friends and business associates accomplish things they never thought possible just because they set their goals, broke them down into workable steps, and achieved them.