Six Steps to Set You Up For Success
By
Scott Greenberg
(Adapted from the Jump Start LeadershipWorkbooks)

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SET YOUR GOALS

Give your life direction by deciding what you want. You might desire an award, a certain career or acceptance to a certain college. Take time to actually write out these goals. Studies have shown that people who do are more likely to achieve their goals.


SHARPEN YOUR GOALS

Make your goal specific. Like a bull's-eye on a target, a goal should be as sharp as possible. Let's say you want to go to college. Does that mean Harvard or the local junior college? Each one requires taking different steps to get in. Choose which college. The sharper your goal, the easier it will be to figure out how to go about achieving it.


STUDY YOUR GOALS

"Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it." Have you ever gotten something you always wanted and been disappointed? Imagine how it would feel to work for years toward a goal only to discover it didn't make you happy. Ask yourself in advance why you want this goal and how accomplishing it will change your life. This will prevent you from having regrets.


SEEK YOUR GOALS

Organize yourself with the following five-step action plan:

  1. List your resources. Make a note of everything you already have that can help you achieve your goal.
  2. List of everything you must do in order to achieve your goal.
  3. List all the obstacles you must overcome.
  4. For each obstacle, come up with a solution and add it to your list of tasks to complete.
  5. Monitor your behavior to make sure you're on the right track.

SUPERVISE YOUR GOALS

Make sure you are moving closer to your goal. If not, you have to make some changes. After completing each task in your action plan, note the progress made. If you're moving forward, maintain your course of action. If not, figure out why and alter your plan.

STICK WITH YOUR GOAL

Keep yourself motivated. If you lose your confidence and determination, you might give up. Do things that motivate you such as keeping a goal journal or meeting with a goal group. You should also find ways to a make this process fun. Do whatever it takes to keep you focused.

Achieving goals isn't easy. But hey, what fun would it be if it were? Take the time. Do the work. You may not always get the results you want, but you will get results.

For tips on how to set yourself up for success, check out the Jump Start Leadership Workbooks or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

To read more motivation, check the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Scott Greenberg, Speaker, Author, Leadership Consultant
Providing motivation, team building and leadership training for groups and individuals looking for optimum performance.

For more information on programs or leadership workbooks,
call 1-800-450-0432 or visit www.scottgreenberg.com

 

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