Important Things to Remember When You Plan Your Goals for 2009

Year 2009 has commenced already. You look forward to it and hope for the best. The best will not come to you; however, if you don’t prepare your goals properly, and then act on them. Before you could start a plan of action you have first to establish your goals. It is like knowing your destination before embarking on a trip. Setting your goals is like having a map that would guide you through the journey. These are some pointers for you to remember in preparing for your goals:

1. Be SMART. Make use of the SMART method:

S = Specific

Be specific with your plans. Instead of saying, “I’ll make the world a better place to live in,” say instead: “I’ll do one good deed everyday to anyone.”

M=Measurable

Would you be able to measure or evaluate the output of your goals? There should be a way to assess the progress of your plans. This maybe done through checking the outcomes. If you have set to write your novel, how many pages should you finish everyday, every week or every month? Let’s say you have set as your short term goal; “to write 7 pages every week.” Evaluate the pages that you have written every week to see if you have achieved your goal, if not then strive to achieve these short term goals, because you won’t be able to achieve your long term goal (finish a novel),  if you don’t fulfill your short term goals.

A = Applicable/ Adaptable

Could the goals be adapted and used? Are they practical and applicable? Because if they are not, then there is no use planning for them or setting to achieve them. You cannot set a goal of flying to the moon, unless you’re an astronaut. Set your goals in such a way that they have a chance to be obtained.

On the other hand, don’t set it too low that there is no challenge in achieving them (.i.e. graduate from high school).

R= Relevant

Are your goals in keeping with the times? Perhaps your goal is “to provide a continuous supply of chalk to all schools in your area “, but chalks are no longer practical in higher learning, what is utilized now are white board markers and LCD’s with power point presentations. So adapt your goals to the community in which you plan to fulfill them.

Or do you aim to establish a business on electric typewriters? This would not be relevant because these are outdated and no longer used. Computers are the “in” thing nowadays; so you may aspire to open a computer shop instead.

T= Time-bound

There should be a time limit. Up to how many days or months do you plan to achieve your goals? You should give yourself a deadline. Plan short term ones, into your long term goals. This would make sure that you would be progressing as you should.

2. Persistence and determination are the keys to success.

No matter what you do, if you persist, persevere and are determined, you will succeed. I’m sure you’re familiar with the famous quotation: “Winners never quit and quitters never win!”

Don’t get discouraged so easily. If you have failed, then rest for a while then go at it again.

3. Have the right attitude.

A positive attitude always does wonders to your behavior. If you’re positive, it would radiate outside and people would be receptive to your suggestions, overtures and plans. You should keep in mind that positive vibes attract positive events. Psyche yourself every morning that you will succeed with anything that you have set yourself to do.

These are pointers that you should adapt. Don’t allow your pessimism to stymie your efforts because of self-doubt and lack of self-confidence. Persist with your goals and never give up on them. Successful people never gave up! Hold your head high, and own your success for year 2009!