INSIGHT · INSPIRATION · IMPACT!
Achieve Every Goal You Set
It’s not as difficult as you’re making it out to be.
When it comes to goals, there are two schools of thought:
- Goals are really neat to have and generally provide an incentive for achievement
- Goals are an absolute essential driving force that propels us toward higher achievement
Either way you look at it, goals are the desired destination that, without action, remains an aspirational objective waiting to be acted upon by those who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them.
For most, goal setting isn’t the issue. It’s the manner in which someone sets out to achieve their goal — the follow-through — that’s the issue.
We all have things we want to achieve. The path to achievement begins with setting a desirable goal. However, goal setting is just the first step in the process of what it takes to actually achieve something. To realize a goal, it’s best to have a system for achieving it — a plan of action that systematically places us closer to our goal with each step we take.
Declarations and Rituals
The difference between a goal and a system is best described by a distinction between the terms “declaration” and “rituals.”
Declarations
Your declaration to achieve something is your goal. It’s a desired change of state or status you aspire to achieve. The process of declaring your goal audibly and in writing serves to strengthen your resolve by convincing your subconscious of your desire to achieve something. Your declaration ignites a transformational process that enables you to begin forming new habits that support your desire for achievement. Define your goals on your own terms and not by a standard that’s set against the desires of others or by a specific dollar amount. The problem with adopting someone else’s goals should be clear. They belong to someone else, so you’ll most likely not care much at all about achieving them sooner rather than later.
Setting goals against a monetary value doesn’t work either. Consider the fact that most people who say they want a million dollars, want to spend a million dollars. They have little appreciation for having, say, a net worth of a million dollars. So, be careful how you frame your goals and make them your own.
Rituals
The habits, practices, and disciplines you accept and act upon in support of your goals (with consistency) become your rituals. Your rituals are the things you hold sacred and are the active ingredients of your system for achievement.
A ritual is something you repeat often. When you depart from your rituals, you know it. You feel disconnected and are compelled to get back on course. Whether your rituals support your goals or your discontent is all in the way you consciously create them. Create empowering rituals and you will be empowered. Do the opposite and…well, you have no one to blame but yourself.
Be Grand
Don’t ever be afraid to set grand goals. Just be careful to define your goals specifically and realistically, and with achievable milestones. Grand goals are achievable. Don’t let anyone ever tell you your goals are too grand. “Realistic” goals are simply those you feel absolutely compelled to achieve, no matter what. Unrealistic goals can be counterproductive and all too often tend to generate discontent and frustration. Be honest with yourself when creating your goals. As I mentioned, even grand goals can be achieved as long as you’re compelled to achieve them. Create Milestones
Milestones provide “checkpoints” that help determine the progress of your achievements. Milestones also support your ability to create positive habits and establish a practice of creating rituals that best support your goals. When you focus on the practice instead of the achievement, your focus shifts to the present moment — right now — where rituals are created and real progress is measured. Be Systems Minded
You can achieve any goal you set so long as you focus on the system required to achieve it. Every goal has a method of achievement — a system — that, if backed by a cogent strategy, will yield positive results when exercised faithfully and consistently.
The systems-based methodology is not about hitting a number or keeping score — it’s about sticking to a process…being consistent. More goals have been realized by sticking to a method of consistency than by any other means.
A vital aspect of designing the right system is to ensure you create the right environment for success to thrive.
Every aspect of your life must support your goals in some form or fashion. If anything is out of sync, it will eventually disrupt your rhythm and become a distraction.
Step Away from Survival Mode
Consider the fact that if you are in survival mode (physically, mentally, and spiritually), you’ll be unwilling and unable to focus on much at all beyond getting back to “normal.” Therefore, it’s an absolute imperative that you establish a ritual of keeping balance in all areas of your life. With balance, you can step away from survival mode and into the thriving mode. It is here where you will find your most powerful self.
All the essential elements of achievement reside inside a powerful mind, body, and soul. For more on the importance of balance, check out my book, 333 — The Power of Equilibrium. #333thebook
You define your system based on the goal or objective you set. Develop a system you can live with and defend, even in the face of external pressure and overwhelm. There are so many distractors in life. Most are not worth your time and will keep you from reaching your goal if you allow them to. Build a system that is smart, sound, logical, and measurable. Your system must be one that provides momentum and must contain the actions and rewards that keep you on track.
Be Willing to do Whatever it Takes to Achieve Your Goal
The clear difference between those who achieve and those who don’t is measured incrementally. I mention this because so many people seem to be taken by surprise at the “sudden” onset of success by achievers when, in fact, achievers are doing something every single day to reach their goals. Who among us can say that with complete honesty? The fact is, if you want something bad enough, you will create behaviors — habits — that form your rituals. Your ritual, defined as a series of actions you take on a consistent basis, becomes part of how you live your life.
Assuming you have a burning desire to achieve something specific, you must be willing to change the way you live your life or give up your desire to achieve that specific goal.
You must be willing to do something every single day that puts you closer to your achievement, no matter what!
This is where your system for achievement must be sound. It must be understood and supported by those closest to you so they too can be part of the solution and not a part of the problem.
Designing a Smart System
The following are just a few elements you should consider when redesigning a system for achievement.
Practices: No time for accomplishment? Don’t buy into the excuse that there’s just no time to do the things you want to do. If you really want to do them you’ll find a way to realign your day to get up earlier, go to bed earlier/later, watch less television, and spend less time on social media and video games. We all have areas we can improve that will yield some measure of time for achievement.
Action: To accomplish anything we must actually do something. This is the step you must employ in order to move toward your goal. Take the time to educate yourself on all aspects of your achievement. Read, research, and listen to things that enhance your ability to achieve. Then, act on behalf of your desires with your newfound insight, intellect, and awareness.
People: One of the most perplexing things for us to wrap our minds around is our associations. We become so loyal to those whom we associate that we’re willing to sacrifice our own ambitions for the sake of friendships.
Time for a dose of tough talk so here goes… If your friends are holding you back then it’s time to get new friends. Your associations are a critical aspect of your achievement objectives. If your desire is to be successful you must associate with successful people. There is simply no way around this. Take action on this and watch the changes begin immediately!
How would you change your life if you knew with certainty that you could achieve every goal you set? Are you willing to create new habits and rituals leading to a winner’s mindset that embraces a winning system? If so, then you’re ready to achieve any goal you set!
“Set a goal so big that you cannot achieve it until you grow into the person who can.” — Sarah Blakely
For more on goals, check out my brand new book, Goal Mind. FOr a free preview, go to my website garywestfal.com.
