Taking time to set goals according to a systematic process can be a huge factor in your personal and professional motivation and success.
Goals that are personal and meaningful to you have tremendous emotional value. They keep you focused on outcomes, rewards and your vision.
Committing a goal to writing is only the first step. Next, you must crystallize all the benefits and rewards you will enjoy when you achieve your goal. Don’t leave anything out. Benefits to you can take different forms. They may be very tangible (like a new car) or intangible (like recognition at work or more time to spend with your child.)
Since your goals are a reflection of your own values, it follows that the rewards attached to your goals would be also. The more meaningful the rewards, the more intense your desire will be to achieve the goal. The meaning you give your goal does not have to be understood by anyone else; it only has to be important and motivating to you.
If you have difficulty thinking of personal rewards and benefits for a goal, question whether the goal is truly important to you. If it is not, you are not likely to put in the time and energy to achieve it. Finally, picture yourself already in possession of these rewards. The more emotionally involved you become with the goal, the more likely you are to do what is needed to overcome any obstacles and accomplish it.
Ask yourself what stands in the way of achieving your goal. List everything that comes to mind. If you have trouble thinking of obstacles, you may ask if it’s so important then why haven’t you already achieved it. You may discover that YOU, not outside circumstances, are the biggest obstacle in achieving your goal. Listing all the roadblocks, or obstacles, will offer a clear-cut picture of what you have to overcome to reach your goal. Remember to be sure that you yourself are not the biggest barrier to achieving your goals. Having a successful attitude goes a long way in taking the necessary action steps to reach that goal.