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Today I have a Smart Goal Setting Manual with FREE Goal Setting Worksheet for you to download to help you get a healthy head start on 2012.

==> Click here to download your Smart Goal Setting Manual. (pdf)

==> Click here to download your Goal Setting Worksheet. (pdf)

==> Click here to download your Goal Setting Worksheet (Landscape format). (pdf)

==> Click here to download your Goal Setting Flowchart. (pdf)

A goal is like a compass. It helps you focus on where you want to go in life and make positive progress to get there. However, it’s important to remember that you need clarity in your goals from time to time. You’ll want to make it as easy as possible for you to reach them.

It may take some more time on your part, but when you write out detailed instructions for yourself instead of vague ideas, you have a much better chance at success. Not only do you know exactly what you need to do, but such plans also tend to invigorate you with more enthusiasm.

Follow these tips in order to clarify your goals:

1. Figure out your ultimate goal. What, exactly, do you want? 

• Instead of a goal like “I want to be successful,” get down to specifics, such as “I want to own my own (type) business which brings in at least $10,000 per month after taxes.”

2. Don’t be afraid of detail. You make the ultimate decision on what you want. Just don’t be afraid to set the details. Avoid goals like “I want to be rich” because there is no detail.

• How much money do you want to make?
• Why? What will this money provide for you that you desire?
• What lifestyle do you want? Cars, homes, ability to travel the world, philanthropy?
• How do you want to earn this money?
• When do you want this to happen?
• How can you prepare for this?

3. Break up your goals. When you stare at the ultimate goal, it may seem intimidating and unattainable. It’s important to break up your main goal into smaller goals. Write out detailed plans about how you’ll reach each of the smaller goals.

• For example, if you want to start your own business, a small goal would be to research your local and federal business laws and register a name.

4. Give yourself deadlines. It’s vital to give yourself deadlines so you know you’re making progress towards your goals. Each of your small goals should have an attainable deadline.

• In the business example above, maybe you’d give yourself a week’s time in order to research different business structures and laws.

5. Keep track. Make detailed notes about what you have done so far. Keeping track of your progress will help you stay organized and on top of your goals.

6. Make alternate plans. Sometimes you won’t be able to make the deadline you have set out for yourself, or maybe you’ll be unable to follow through with a current plan entirely. It’s important to think of alternatives in case certain situations don’t work out in your favor. If you already have back up plans in place, you’ll save time if you run into snags on the way to your goals.

7. Schedule review time. I suggest once a week you look at your big picture goals and the reason why they are important. This is like going back to the gas station to fill up. By reviewing the big picture and all the compelling reasons why your goals are important, this will ensure that you remain juiced up and motivated in the face of obstacles. I also suggest that once a day for a minimum of 15 minutes and up to 60 minutes you create a list and map out the top 7 things you will do that day (big or small) to make continuous progress towards your goals.

Get Organized

Organization can mean keeping all of your detailed plans and journals in a binder with tabs for easy access to your various sets of notes. Alternatively, you may opt to keep your materials organized by using project management software on your computer. Just remember to make backups of your digital information so that you don’t lose it.

No matter what method you’ve chosen, determine the details, set small attainable goals that lead toward your ultimate goals, be flexible so you can conquer challenges, and keep track of your progress. Doing these things will bring you ultimate clarity and success.

I am in control of jump-starting my goals.

I am self-motivated when it comes to taking action to achieve my goals. No one has to tell me to get started! I set goals because they are something I desire and my passion drives me to get what I want.

The very first thing I do when I set a goal is to write up an action plan. I determine all the tasks necessary and then start right away on some easy tasks to build confidence and momentum.

I know that challenges will inevitably arise on my way to my goal. I proactively prepare myself for these challenges so I can take them in stride when they happen.

If I find my motivation waning, I can revive my passion with my handy tools.

First of all, I repeat positive affirmations regularly to keep my focus on successfully achieving my goals. With affirmations, I can stop negative thoughts at their outset. They never even have a chance!

I use meditation and visualizations to melt away my stress so it does not distract me. I imagine myself already having achieved my goals. I feel the joy and exhilaration of accomplishment, and these feelings persist throughout my day.

Finally, I write down my goals and keep them handy. I design vision boards with vivid images of my objective. I post notes and pictures at home, work, and on my computer.

I consult the heroic people of that past and the present by reading their books on how they overcame challenges, listening to their audios and having my own inner circle that helps me to build inner strength.

Today, my plan is to create my list of top 7 key objectives and to take positive proactive action to knock each one of them off one at a time to help me make continued progress to my goal.

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. Have I written an action plan?
2. Do I take challenges in stride and continue on my path toward my goal?
3. What tools work best for me to keep me focused on reaching my goals?