Goal Setting

I wanted to get the first post up so that after Christmas everyone could start thinking about their goals for 2009. Goals will be one of the main categories of the blog. Hope you enjoy!

Five Myths and Realities about Setting Goals
To some, goal setting may seem like an urban legend. Only nerdy people write things down that they’d like to achieve. Goal setting is a powerful and effective tool to get what you want out of life no matter what type of person you are.
Here are some of the more common myths and their truths when it comes to the issue of goal setting.

Myth #1: Goals do not have to be written down to be effective.

Reality: Goals can be as fleeting as our breath on a cold morning if we don’t make them permanent. Writing them down gives them weight in our life. It is something that we want to do and will do with the right planning. Starting a business is a worthy goal, but no successful business would work if all of their plans were left to the ether and not to the paper.

Myth #2: Long term goals are too hard to achieve.

Reality: Long term goals require a series of steps to achieve. The things that make a long term goal manageable are the small goals we meet along the way. A person who wants to totally wipe out their $50,000 worth of debt will not do it in one fell swoop. It takes time and that time can be broken down into steps. For instance, creating a five-year plan with each year wiping out $10,000 in debt, versus waiting until the entire amount has been saved.

Myth #3: Goals are achieved faster when we work alone.

Reality: A support system is not only encouraged, but necessary for achieving goals. Take weight loss for instance. People trying to lose weight are more successful when they have a friend or family member to hold them accountable with them than someone who goes it alone. Without support, setbacks can be permanent and obstacles can seem insurmountable.

Myth #4: Goals are not meant to be altered in any shape or form.

Reality: It is wise to review your goals every few months. Maybe something in your life has changed and the goal needs to be amended in order to continue. Life happens and rigid goals can lead to failure. The path we map out for a goal can require an alternate route at times but all roads are leading to the same destination; to our ultimate goal.

Myth #5: Goals can only be started at the beginning of the year.

Reality: We have all fallen into that New Year’s resolution trap. If we don’t get going on the first day of the year, all hope is lost. If that were the case, there have been a lot of broken dreams and unhappy people. Goals can begin today. All it takes is an idea and the willingness to create a plan for achievement.

No matter what misconceptions you might have heard in the past, toss all preconceived notions out the window right now. Begin goal setting with a clean slate and see how much more you can accomplish.

A friend of mine has a great e-book called "Banish the Blahs" and along with it, you can download the "10 x10 Workbook" which can help you set goals for 10 things you want to accomplish by 2010! You can check it out at her Banish the Blahs Site.