I Always Failed At Goal Setting – So I Started Reading My Life Changes

One of the key rules of great goal setting is to be specific. People may have read about this a dozen times, but they still continue to set vague goals. Let’s explain the problem with this.

If you set a goal to paint the spare room (because it will look fabulicious painted) it’s easy to set this vague goal. “Paint the spare room”

However, if you are specific and write down – I will paint the spare bedroom on Saturday morning, May 28 …well now you have set aside a time and date which further commits you to take action. Now you know that this date is for beautifying the spare room and not golfing, shopping ,snoozing, web surfing or TV.

This rule especially applies to business. If you have a large project to execute and people are counting on you, you break the project into smaller specific goals and commit to a date for each one. Or else the project will be a miserable failure.

So why shouldn’t you apply the same rules to your personal life? Your goals in your personal life are even more important.

Be specific. Commit to a date and a time.

When I designed this website I used the tracker here in its beta form and broke down each step in order to create the website. It took a few months but if I had not set specific goals and timelines this fabulous website would not exist.  : )  There had to be a business plan, design, programming, testing and support.

Now it’s your turn.  What fabulous goals or habits do you want to create in your life? What steps are required and by what date are you ready to commit yourself to?

Let’s do it.

How An Index Card Can Change Your Life

I’ve carried around a 4 x 2 inch index card with the words “Are you being more loving today”, for a few months. By doing so and looking at it many times during the day, I’m creating a constant awareness of this new habit. Most goals or new habits fail because we start off incredibly enthusiastic at first but then fall back into the safety and security of old habits.

My values of peace, joy and even love are being reinforced by this index card. I’m less judgmental, feel more empathy and smile in public more often. When I am waiting in line I do not curse under my breath or demand my change back from a cashier with an outstretched hand and a frown on my face. I approach with a smile, a joke and open heart, and in turn I usually receive a smile back.

By having the words “Are you being more loving today”, carried in my wallet I am becoming more loving in all aspects of my life. I’m calmer and more peaceful in public, at work and with family. I am becoming more of an extrovert and feeling greater compassion.

This technique of writing down a goal or habit on an index card works for anything. Whether you wish to exercise, make new friends, lose weight, stop smoking or feel more joy. It keeps a strong awareness of what you truly wish to change at all times. If you want to exercise more it isn’t always about going to a fancy gym, it may be taking stairs or riding your bike to pick up a DVD. Reading the card reinforces the habit!

I hope you can use My Life Changes as a way to discover your purpose, values and goals in life. Now pick a goal and keep it on you at all times. Look at it many times daily. After a while it will become a part of you and the card can be tossed away. Get rid of those old habits. I dare you to try it, I’m sure you will be amazed.

Reference: The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die

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