GOAL SETTING

For this week’s blog post, I thought I would touch on some techniques I have been shown on goal setting. I think it’s fitting with it being testing week and I would encourage you take these basic principles, do some of your own research and come up with a goal setting system that works for you, it will change your life. First, in my belief goals are the cornerstone to success. If you don’t have them, you are relying simply on luck to help you proceed. One of my favourite quotes is from one of the big dogs himself, Tony Robbins – ‘If you talk about it, It’s a dream, if you envision it, it’s possible, but if you schedule it, then its real.' Below is a system I follow: Setting up a timeline for Review (Deadlines) Whenever I am trying to achieve a new goal, I set a 90-day review period on that goal. For me it doesn’t matter how big or small the goal is, 90 days gives me enough time to get stuck in and really understand what it is I am trying to achieve. Sometimes the goal is achieved within a week, sometimes it’s something I have only just scratched the surface on over the 90 days. By reflecting every 90 days it keeps me accountable, it teaches me something new and keeps me progressing. Another banger, from Jeff Olson – ‘Some quit due to slow progress, never grasping the fact, the slow progress… is still progress.' During the 90 days I am constantly reviewing and planning what I want to achieve and reflecting on what I have already achieved. This allows me to plan days, weeks, and months around my goals. What’s my focus? My list comes from 4 categories: health and fitness, finances, personal growth, career and business. 3 goals only! After I have a list of things I want to work on.  I then choose the 3 that are most relevant for me. Why only 3? I am a big believer in momentum and achieving progress. By choosing only 3, it helps keep me focused and keeps me on track, with three goals you should not feel too overwhelmed. By achieving progress in the 3, I get a great sense on achievement and this motivates me for more. Below are my steps – I encourage you all to have a go and set a few goals of your own.

1. What’s your focus? Determine which key areas in your life you’re going to focus on improving. Over a 90-day period.
2. Set your goals – Write down 3 goals for the 90 days ahead. Don’t get overwhelmed if you have never set a goal, start small and build momentum.
3. Take daily action – review your goals every single morning. Ask yourself this, what am I doing today to help me achieve my goals? Have I planned and scheduled time to work on them? Then at night, reflect on the day that has passed and acknowledge the wins and lessons learned. I use this time to plan for the following day. If I have had an absolute shocker and achieved nothing, this review process helps me think why those goals I set are important to me and keeps me motivated.
4. Finally, after the 90 days it’s important to review, reset and dedicate time to understanding the wins and losses. I can’t count the number of times I have got to the end of a 90 day period and been not even close to achieving a goal but at the end of the day, I have progressed and learnt a handful of new tricks and gained experience. Understanding that this is what progress is all about is key when looking at the big picture.