Most of us have had to set some kind of goals for our lives. Goals that are not met or seem to be absolutely out of touch usually leave us with the feeling that things just may not ever work or we replace the goal with yet another unrealistic goal. I have found that most goals that did not work for me were those that either weren’t made by me or ones that I made in the moment of a powerful workshop on goal setting. There was just one missing element for me, what was realistic or within my reach. There is also a tendency to set goals to impress or gain respect from those who are special to us or who have their faith in us. There is also a way for that to be a total failure by falling on our face loosing faith in ourselves. My personal story and success has drastically changed in less than 9 months because of taking time to face the challenges in my own life and learning how to set goals that fit Karen’s (my) life. They are my daily bread.
After I prayed about how I would see a change in my life, I started seeking the advice of my peers in coaching. I learned valuable strategies for planning which included me taking time to journal my daily success and I realized that I could not journal anything that I had not accomplished. The way for me to do this was to first set the goals. Now, in my life, monthly, yearly and even weekly goals can be a challenge. I found the power in having 3-4 goals a day which eventually turned into 10-20. It has brought me to have a successful new career which includes completing articles, making contacts, reorganizing my business while having time to enjoy my family and even RELAX from time to time.
What I did was very simple. I started leaving notes for myself in the places that I had to be or areas that I would always have a visual. My desktop on my laptop, my email, my desk, bathroom mirror and alarms on my cellular phone. Everyday I would put a note on one or two of these areas. For instance, at night I would put together a list of things to do the next day. The list may just have 3 simple but important items for my day.
Example:
Look for free on line classified site
Send thank you email to……..for a nice lunch meeting
Call to make arrangements to lower credit card bill payments
Three simple tasks, major results for the day. The Free Classified site would be to advertise my services. The thank you email shows appreciation for someone who just took time to assist me. There is a possibility that one ‘‘thank you”’ can open another door. Arrangements to lower the credit card bill payments took mental pressure off of me. Now here is the accountability piece; I have to make up my mind that if these things are not completed, my day is not over. So what I did not complete does not get scratched off of the list until the next day or when completed. The list stays in front of me, duplicated in several areas that forces me to see them. The reward, I completed my day proud that I finished something that I said I would do. The best part about this strategy for me is that no one pressured me, the goals were realistic in my own life and the results have been absolutely astonishing not only to myself, but to those who have watched me move from always talking about doing something to seeing who I have become.
Earlier in the article, I mentioned being accountable. That is one area of personal challenge. There are elements in our lives that keep us from achieving our goals; our emotions, mindset, learned behaviors and the simple yet difficult task of loving ourselves to name a few. How we actually see ourselves during the time that we set our goals or when we move forward to a new life will determine the outcome. Social status and environment also play a great part.
In part 2 of this article, we will take a look at accountability and learned behaviors. Until then, ask yourself these very important questions:
How many personal goals have I set for myself that I have not begun the process of achieving?
Where do I see myself in the next 60 days?
What is the most fulfilling thing that has happened to me since the beginning of this year?
Am I most happy when I’m in the company of others?
Do their opinions of me matter?
If yes, do they take time to celebrate me when I reach my goals?
Answer these questions honestly and from the heart. The answers can make a world of difference in how you see your daily bread.
Your daily bread is what feeds you, drives you, and makes you feel like you matter. Always take time everyday to give thanks for a new start. Remember, everyday you live is a second chance at life!
Karen L. Donald is truly a woman of personal victory. Overcoming battles of abuse, addiction and trauma, she is rising up as one of the most demanded speakers in the United States. As an established entrepreneur, Karen founded Donald and Associates. As a trainer, International speaker and 20 years of Multimedia experience, she has formed a team of specialist across the country that offer training and consultation through workshops, conferencing and newsletters. In 2009, you will be able enjoy her powerful seminars via CD/DVD, public television, internet and more!
She is well known for her area of expertise, Inner Healing of the total man. Karen offers training for sales teams, community organizations and individuals who are looking to overcome barriers in their lives. She has a message of hope and testimony of victory that is her message and medicine for empowerment and emotional healing.
When asked of her success, she says that being transparent in all areas of her life is used to help others. Her words of encouragement to all are simple but powerful. "Everyday you live is a second chance at life!"