Goal-Getting: How to Stay the Course

Goal-Getting: How to Stay the Course

by Colleen Langenfeld
Copyright (c) 2003



Do you set goals for yourself but have difficulty
following through?

Do you find keeping yourself motivated and focused
just plain wears you out?

If your goal-setting dissolves before the
goal-getting, then you need to re-evaluate. Fast!

Maybe the problem is one of endurance.

Just as a runner must train before a marathon,
so a goal-setter must practice diligently to become
a goal-getter.

In addition, just as with physical fitness, focus
and endurance are built up over time and effort.
Not overnight. Certainly not a one-shot deal.


"People often say that motivation doesn't last.
Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend
it daily."
Zig Ziglar


And that's the key. Continuously exposing your
brain to excellence. It's using simple tools like:

- listening to a motivational audio tape while
driving instead of listening to the local radio
station.

- putting an inspirational quotes screen saver on
your computer.

- choosing to read a chapter a night of something
powerful and uplifting.

- monitoring your thoughts closely, especially
when you're feeling down or discouraged and
discovering (then changing) any negative self-talk
you find.

- working with a friend to gently hold each other
accountable and to benefit from mutual support.

- giving yourself the time to get results. Check
your progress after 30, 60 and 90 days.

- incorporating quiet, creative time into your
schedule. Time to pray, be alone, let the pressures
of your life slip away for a bit.

- instructing a teenager on the importance of goal
achievement. What you teach you internalize.

- breaking your goal into small (even tiny) pieces.
Reward yourself furiously for any and all
accomplishments.

- getting the right perspective. You wouldn't
chastise a toddler learning to walk (and fall). Give
yourself the same opportunity to grow.

- finding like-minded goal-getting people and
rubbing shoulders with them as often as possible.


Reach for excellence, not perfectionism. See who you
want to become and work back from there. Give yourself
lots of pats on the back. This investment will pay off
big.

Because, truthfully, it's all about you!


=========================

Colleen Langenfeld delivers deals, tips and
creative resources to working moms who want
the most out of their homes, families and
careers at http://www.paintedgold.com . Sign
up for our fr*ee newsletter and get an
online Creativity Toolkit as our gift to you!