Creating Life-Changing Goals You Can Actually Achieve

Life-changing goals are different from regular goals.?We all want to accomplish things in life. But setting goals that are too general almost always results in unfulfilled wishes.

Essentially, those goals become undefined thoughts that simply take space in our subconscious.

Yeah, we may visit them from time to time during the occasional daydream, but ultimately, that’s as far as they go, causing you to remain stuck in the shoulda-coulda-woulda cycle.

You know the cycle I’m talking about. It’s okay to admit it.

Read More:?5 Signs You Might Be a Procrastinator

We’ve all been there (me included)! So, there’s absolutely no judgement here.

And though this cycle can cause much?harm to our confidence and ability to strive or go after bigger things, the reality is, we have complete control and break this vicious cycle with a few intentional shifts in our thinking and behavior.

Let’s explore a couple of strategies to help you move from a desire/dream state, to actually taking action that helps draw you closer to the life you truly want.

Step 1: Get Clear on WHAT you want to achieve or change in your life

Grab a pen and paper (or your electronic device) and start brainstorming all the things you want to (and can) change in your life, career, or business.

Don’t hold back!?Give yourself permission to let your imagination run wild. Once you’ve created, your “dream life,” the next step is to review your list and begin to prioritize the things you can change or achieve in the short term (3-6 months) versus the things you may need to allow for more time before they’re fully manifested (1 year or more).

Step 2: Get clear on WHY you want to make this change or achieve that goal

Why do you want to change that area of your life? Take your time and really think through this step.

Go deep. Get to the root of the true meaning behind achieving each goal you’ve listed.

Ask yourself: “How will achieving this goal change my life, my family, my community.”?

“What will making this change reveal about me?”

“Once I’ve achieved this goal, how will it feel?”

Taking the time upfront to attach a deeper meaning to the goal or change you want to make will help you anchor your desire to see it fulfilled. And on those days where your motivation starts to wane,?your WHY (aka your anchor) will help you push forward.

Step 3: Get clear on HOW you’re going to achieve the life-changing goal or change you desire

And once you’re anchored and can visualize the thing(s) you want, with pristine clarity,?the next step is to start taking action. Go back to the list you prioritized in step one, and starting with the short-term items, create SMART goals.

Read More:?What are SMART Goals?

If you’re new to goal setting,?SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.?This goal-setting strategy is critical in helping you clarify what specifically you need to do to ensure your goals become your reality.

So don’t skip this process. In doing so, you’ll also help reinforce your beliefs around the possibility and desire to see these goals manifest in your life.

Now that you have your list of goals,?you’ve attached powerful meaning behind what it will mean to achieve them, and you’ve written out a plan to make them your reality, you’re ready for step 4.

Step 4: Get clear on WHEN you’re going to complete the steps towards achieving your goals

If you followed the steps I’ve shared so far, your dream, turned goal, turned strategy, has probably got you feeling a little overwhelmed. But don’t fret. There’s another step you can (and should) apply to keep you on the path of changing your reality.

Simply?take the SMART goals you’ve already created, and break each large goal down into smaller, more achievable goals. These smaller goals can be considered your action plan. And within your action plan, you’re going to give yourself a deadline for completion.

Now I know some people thrive on deadlines, while others get anxious when there’s a fixed deadline hanging over their heads.?If that’s you, do worry, you can still apply this strategy.

Consider building a reward system to help you stay focused and positioned to meet your deadlines. So basically, if you meet a goal by the deadline, you get to reward yourself with something that you either enjoy or is meaningful to you.

Once you’ve followed all the steps you are ready to create archivable life-changing goals, outlined your vision, and created your action plan, it’s time to finally take action!

After all, taking action is the only way you will ever achieve a goal.?So, if you are struggling with where to start, choose the easiest task and start there.

As you begin to move forward and the momentum starts to build, I?encourage you to make time to reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed.?Assess what is working, and what isn't working and adjust as needed.

If you get stuck,?either deal with the obstacle or move on to another action item until you’re able to figure out?a solution or get help elsewhere.

Unfortunately, you can't change your life overnight, but with persistence, dedication, and this repeatable, proven process, you’ll not only achieve your goals, but you’ll experience tremendous growth in the process.

??Let's start a conversation about Goal Setting - How do you stay on track with completing your goals?

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About The Author

Sabine Gedeon is an Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant. She specializes in supporting Professional Women and organizations in the growth and development of their Emerging Leaders who are ready to cultivate their leadership mindset and develop high performing teams by transforming their thinking & behavior for better results. Her service offerings span from private coaching with individuals, organizational consulting and training, and business mentorship for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. With more than 15 years’ experience in the fields of HR and Coaching, Sabine has supported leaders in Fortune 100 companies, and start-ups, helping them uncover their leadership abilities and experience growth in their lives, careers, and businesses.

For more information, go to www.SabineGedeon.com Or connect with Sabine on LinkedIn

Originally published at?https://sabinegedeon.com ?on April 30, 2021