Hello there,
It is not a coincidence that the title of this post is Goals like a laser.
Clear, detailed, focused goals may pave the way to you success like a tiny beam of laser that penetrates massive obstacles.
My thoughts on the subject are influenced by a number of authors such as Brian Tracy, Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale and certainly others. In addition I`ll compare some points to other areas such as Theory of Inventive Problems Solving (TRIZ).
Define a result
One of the key components in Genrikh Altshuller theory is an Ideal Final Result. And it may be seen as a goal setting. It means when you set a goal you want to achieve there is no need to constrain yourself by your current means or situation. That yourself imagine Ideal Result as though you already has your goal achieved. When you`ve defined the result what you`ve done is actually set to yourself a destination but what remains is a way of arriving there.
Write it to your heart
Here comes the advice of Brian Tracy to write this goal down. And it seems there is a wisdom to this advice since psychological studies points out goals written down is more likely to be achieved. It has to do with the mentioned in previous post Robert Cialdini`s principle of Commitment and Consistency.
Put a time constraint
Next comes a definite time you`ll set for achieving your goal or a deadline as they call it. This thing will put you in a kind of pressure you`ll need to mobilize your resources and focus your energies on your goals. There is a Parkinson`s law that says the work that needs to be done will take all the time provided. This means without a time limit it may take centuries that we do not possess.
What are the obstacles?
In TRIZ it would be figuring out what is a contradiction that prevents you from achieving the Ideal Final Result or goal that you`ll set for yourself. Well achieving a goal not always has to have a contradiction but knowing about contradictions may help you invent.
Get knowledge and find resources
Think of information, experiences, knowledge or simply put resources that you`ll need in order to achieve you goal. Consult with other people if you know that there is something you do not know.
Make a plan
Breakdown you goal into smaller goals and then compose plan with prioritized activities that you think may lead you to your goal.
Constantly Proceed
Make a habit of working on your goal on a daily basis. Review your progress and compare it to you plan. Adjust the plan accordingly.
Start now
Without any excuses get to work now because tomorrow`s activities stay permanently in the future. And it takes now to make all the difference.
That`s it for tonight,
Stay tuned.