Setting Goals and Achieving Your Ambitions

Some people can go through life quite contentedly without much ambition or the desire to set goals, be they personal or professional and that's great for them.  For others (myself included) having goals, even simple ones such taking up a hobby of some sort, provide something to aim for. They also offer us the chance to grow, learn and find new opportunities and experiences.  I know that sometimes it's just enough to survive each year, what with all the stresses, strains and time restraints but if you can find time and have the inclination, then make a brew, sit yourself down and do a spot of 'navel gazing' as you consider setting new goals. And please, don't wait until you have a mid-life crisis before you take time to decide how you want to live your life.  Think about it from time to time and consider what's important to you, try to alter or re-adjust the things (or possibly your attitude) which bother you, and in that way you will have fewer resentments and more fun. Ask yourself what you want and need in order to feel fulfilled.  Try not to view 'success' only in material terms but about how you also feel inside. 

Before writing about setting goals for 2012, what about 2011?  Start by asking yourself:

• What did I accomplish last year, both personally and professionally? This isn't necessarily about the 'big' world changing stuff, just what was important to you. 
• What were the disappointments? If there were any, maybe ask what you could have done differently? What did you learn from them?
• Did I try something new, something which energised me? Again, we aren't necessarily talking about sky diving here but maybe you don't like public speaking and did it anyway.
• Did I limit myself by my own actions and behaviour and if so, how can I stop doing it in the future?  This could, for example, be about confidence issues and there is plenty of help around for this if you think it would be beneficial to you..
• If something or someone made me unhappy, worried or anxious, did I address it?  If you didn't then try and start the year off well and deal with it/them if you can.
• Did you have some fun, relax, spend time with friends and family, take some time out just for you?  

Key Questions:

• What are your goals?  What do you really want/think?  If several, are they alike in some way, is there a common denominator?
• Ask yourself what has stopped you from achieving your goals?  Can you be bothered  (or brave enough) to move out of your comfort zone?
• What skills and resources do you already have to help you to reach them? Consider this - research - take necessary action.
• What are you currently doing to achieve those goals and ambitions you dream about?  If nothing then why?
• Are you aware of a goal within the goal?  By this I mean that if your goal is to 'have lots of money' you should ask yourself why.  Your true aims could be for respect or a feeling of self worth and money will not necessarily help in achieving this, at least in the short term.  Knowing your true reasons will provide more scope for success.
• How will you know when you have achieved your goals and ambitions?  What will be different?
• If success were guaranteed, what would you decide to do?  This is an important question because often the things which stop 'success' come down to confidence and belief in our own abilities and that can be worked on!  Don't wait to be given 'the power', take it for yourself.
• Finally, you may be clever, talented and creative but natural talent is rarely enough. It is self belief together with persistence and determination which will get you to where you want to be in life. Go For It!

I do hope at least some of this is useful for you. More on goals will be up on Sunday, including how to make them SMART.