Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Goal Setting Requires A Plan Of Action

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back.. . . that is exactly what happens when your goal does not include a clear plan of action.
.Of course, you must first set an attainable goal that you truly want to achieve, one that you can passionately commit to accomplishing. Be sure to write down every detail that must be a part of what you envision for a successful result. Doing this the first time can seem a bit involved, but it is well worth the effort.
.After you have established your goal and identified the necessary components, then organize a path to achieve the goal into sequential stages. Create an action plan to achieve each step along the way. Think of this as mapping the path to your destination. Also be sure to set a predetermined milestone that clearly marks when you have successfully completed each stage. Take the opportunity to celebrate your success when you reach each milestone.
.The plan of action approach to reaching a goal provides a constant reference of what you have completed and what still needs to be done. Otherwise, a goal can sometimes seem out of reach or elusive. Attaining the ultimate goal is unlikely if you are floundering, backtracking, or running in circles.
.If you need a place to begin the process, start by writing down your goal in specific and motivating language. For each goal write down how you plan to achieve your desired outcome. Include time frames and clear milestones to measure your progress. As you implement your plan expect to make modifications to shore up or improve the route. Allow yourself to be somewhat flexible if you find a better way to reach your goal.
.When you become proficient at goal setting, the process becomes second nature. But, always make sure you have an action plan for each goal and a clear target in mind. You will soon discover how you can interconnect different goals, whereby they support one another for overall successful achievement.

David Schaefer is an entrepreneur and writes on the topics of personal development. Follow David's insights at http://twitter.com/davidschaefer
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