Goal Setting: Getting “Unstuck”
For the past several months in this column, we have been talking about setting an intention or goal in many different areas of your life. Last month we talked about how to create the situation you dream about by being specific and declaring what you want, writing it down, and reading it everyday. I hope that some of you have actually tried this and have noticed some pretty interesting things happening. Please feel free to share those things with me!
Many times, you start off in grand style and then seem to hit a snag. This is actually the most exciting time because it means that you have been doing things in a new way and old habits “die hard”! You are starting to feel the resistance to making change.
So here are some suggestions to help any of you who might be feeling stuck to get moving again. Don’t adjust the goal: readjust your attitude towards it. Sometimes you are tempted to pull back from your real dream because you find excuses to make it seem impossible to achieve. You begin to focus on the things that make it hard or why it won’t work for you. Don’t let yourself sink into helplessness or powerlessness! Take back your dream, your goal. Refocus your attention by asking yourself questions like: “What choices do I have right now in this situation?“ “If I knew I couldn’t fail, what would be the next step I’d take?”
Then post your goals in several places around your house and office. Read those goals out loud. Recapture the excitement you felt when you were seeing yourself accomplishing these things. And then call a trusted friend and share your goals. Preface your conversation by saying that you just want your friend to listen and smile and offer no suggestions or solutions. Their purpose is to be your cheerleader and encourager. So when you are finished reading your goals out loud, your friend is to burst into thunderous applause. This will give you a fresh perspective and incentive. And your friend might be inspired!
This is a quote from Anthony Robbins that speaks to this point:
“In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent action. It’s not what we do once in awhile that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.”
You have everything you need to achieve your highest goals and dreams!
If you have a question about coaching or something that is concerning you at work, please email me at info@professionalgrowthservices.com. Identify it in the subject line as “Ask the Coach.”