Set measurable Goals.

Dreams ignite our aspirations and push us to imagine the limitless possibilities of our future selves. They make our hearts race and our minds expand. Dreams are aspirational. To transform our dreams/desires from aspirational to tangible, we must set measurable goals. 

Goals serve as our roadmap that directs us from where we we are to where we want to be. They provide structure and direction to our aspirations, breaking our dreams into management tasks and measurable milestones. Our dreams can be lofty and seemingly unattainable; goals keep us grounded and accountable for taking action toward fulfilling our deepest desires. Striking a balance between dreaming big and setting achievable goals is crucial to our sense of direction and purpose.

The act of setting goals is vital, but it is not enough. We must also establish clear measurements of success to effectively track our progress. These measurements act as signposts along the journey, indicating whether we are moving closer to or away from our desired destination. When we take the time to quantify our success, we can assess our performance, adjust our strategies, and celebrate our achievements in the process.

One of the greatest benefits of setting measurable goals is that it provides us with an enhanced focus. When we have clear, specific targets, we are less likely to be distracted or deterred by obstacles. They channel our energy and resources towards activities directly contributing to our success. By regularly monitoring our progress against our metrics, we can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to our strategy.

When we commit to achieving specific results within a defined timeframe, we are holding ourselves accountable to a higher standard of performance. Sharing our goals with other people creates a support network that encourages accountability and provides valuable feedback. Mentors, coaches, and peer accountability groups are also extremely beneficial to the likelihood of our success.

Measuring our success motivates and inspires us to push beyond our comfort zones and strive for greater excellence. Each milestone becomes a source of validation and encouragement when our progress is visible and quantifiable. The positive reinforcement from our progress continues to fuel our momentum and propel us forward. The satisfaction boosts our confidence and self-efficacy, reinforcing our belief that further success is possible (and perhaps even probable!).

Whether we are pursuing a new hobby, adopting healthier habits, or achieving new financial milestones, goal setting with measurements of success is transformative in its power. Every milestone we achieve reminds us of our ability to overcome adversity, conquer challenges, obliterate obstacles, and thrive despite any doubts or fears.

Success or sabotage? The power of setting clear goals with a metric for success cannot be overstated. Goals provide us with the direction, focus, and motivation that are needed to succeed.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What are your goals for today and how will you measure your success in that regard?

Move beyond Existence.

If you are living your life absent clear, measurable goals and objectives, you are a victim of circumstance (limited to responding to whatever might show up). You owe it to yourself to create a life of true fulfillment. Bring your deepest dreams and desires to fruition! After all, isn't that what life is all about?  Remember, there is a difference between living and existing.

Fear often masks our desires and eclipses our path forward. When asked, we will claim that we are uncertain about what we want. It is this lie that often keeps us inactive and unfulfilled. The truth is, if you know what you do NOT want, you know what you do want (even if you have not taken the time to clarify it).  

You have earned the right to live a life of true power and passion. Begin by saying "yes" to something better and more aligned with your dreams and desires. Set aside your cares and concerns for how you will achieve it. Begin by listing five things in your life that you can no longer tolerate. For each item on your list, write the opposite ("if I do not want this, what do I want?"). Once you have your list of desires, commit to one action (TODAY!) that will move you one step closer to that vision. Tomorrow, add another step, etc....

Success or sabotage? Success can only be achieved with clarity and momentum. Before you can have either, you have to really want it and take the steps to get it!

Is this going to be an incredible day? Why settle for ordinary when you can have incredible? The power begins with your choice and commitment. What are you choosing today?

Clarify your Goals

When setting goals, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the outcomes that we wish to achieve. On the surface, this seems a bit obvious, yet, many often confuse the ends with the means, becoming overly focused on the methods of achieving their goals instead of the intended results. To avoid this, we must keep several things in mind when going through the objective-setting process.

To alleviate any potential confusion between what we want and how we are going to achieve it, it is vital that we focus on the following:

1. Clarify the desired outcomes: clearly define and visualize the results that you wish to achieve in a tangible and measurable capacity.

2. Remain flexible in your focus: recognize that there are multiple paths to achieve your goals (and some of them may not currently be on your radar). Be open to exploring different paths/strategies with a willingness to adjust your plans when necessary.

3. Value learning/growth opportunities: shift your mindset from simply achieving your goals to gifts of the journey and all of the wisdom and opportunities that are presented along the way.

4. Schedule intermittent assessments of your progress: continue to evaluate whether you are moving closer to your intended goal so that (if necessary) you may make adjustments to your strategy.

5. Keep your values in focus: continue to be certain that your goals are aligned with your values and aspirations. Remaining true to your values and authenticity will strengthen your focus and prevent you from allowing the influence of external factors to confuse the means with the end.

Success or sabotage? We can only hit the target if we have one. The greater the clarity, the more likely we are to achieve our goals.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What makes a day incredible? What are you willing to do to bring that vision to fruition?

Commit to Success.

If we wish to increase our effectiveness in meeting and exceeding our goals, it is imperative that we pay close attention to our actions AND our words. Naturally, words without focused actions are just chatter; but, it is foolish to ignore the importance of the words that we utilize. Words have enormous power and provide a clear indication of our faith, commitment, and mental/emotional state. We are either “trying” or “doing,” so, if we wish to set ourselves up for greater success, we must become acutely aware of the power at our disposal and be certain that we are using it to our benefit.

When speaking of resolutions or goals, we will often share what we are “trying” to accomplish. We might state that we are trying to get more exercise, we are trying to get more sleep, we are trying to be more loving, etc. To state that we are TRYING (albeit, true) is a demonstration of a lack of commitment and doubt in regard to our abilities to succeed. We may not be certain that we can pull it off, so we only put one toe in the water. After all, no one wants to fail, so do we really want to declare that we are going to lose 10 pounds (when we are not completely sure that we’ll be able to do it)? It is a logical approach, but largely ineffective in application.

Our ability to commit to and affirmatively declare a goal inspires momentum and results in immediate accountability. There is tremendous power in directing our faith to the belief that we will indeed succeed in our aspirations. If there is an underlying fear of failure and we allow it to take root, we are ensuring future challenges because we are creating our own roadblocks with our self-doubt and insecurity. If we really want to increase the probability of success, we must be willing to stand tall and unashamed in our declarations.

If the suggestion of this level of commitment makes you uneasy, consider the power of choice. Once you have formulated a focused strategy to reach your goal (an exercise regime, for example), watch your words. If you cannot comfortably state, “I am going to lose 10 pounds in the next year,” replace it with “I am choosing to be more conscious of my food selection and physical activity to get in better shape. As a result, I will lose weight, increase my health and feel better. I am choosing to believe that I can lose 10 pounds or more before the end of the year.” If you end up falling short of your goal, you can simply re-evaluate and make a different choice without the shame that is often associated with the failure of not doing what we said that we were going to do.

Success or sabotage? Success requires a consciousness that is aligned with our clear intent. If we want to ensure our continued success, we must use all of the tools in our arsenal.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What is your commitment to creating a day that works for you and how are you expressing it to yourself and others?

Revisit your Goals.

Success is a journey, not a destination. Your definition must be under continual examination and modification in order to make room for growth. Your life, needs and desires change. As you achieve greater clarity through the wealth of your experience, you will have a greater wisdom in your choices (as long as you stay awake!).

Take a moment today to revisit your goals and definitions for success in all of the important areas of your life. Are your thoughts, words and actions properly aligned to contribute to greater success? Is there anything that you might do to be even more effective?

Also, don't forget to take inventory of all of your victories. In what areas have you done well? Where have you experienced the most visible growth? Celebrate all that you have learned and your ability to apply it in creating a better life.

Success or sabotage? Every moment is a choice; are you conscious of the choices that you have been making this week?

Is this going to be an incredible day? What could possibly stand in your way?

Declare your Goal.

If we wish to increase our effectiveness in meeting and exceeding our goals, it is imperative that we pay close attention to our actions AND our words. Naturally, words without focused actions are just chatter; but, it is foolish to ignore the importance of the words that we utilize. Words have enormous power and provide a clear indication of our faith, commitment and mental/emotional state. We are either “trying” or “doing,” so, if we wish to set ourselves up for greater success, we must become acutely aware of the power at our disposal and be certain that we are using it to our benefit.

When speaking of resolutions or goals, we will often share what we are “trying” to accomplish. We might state that we are trying to get more exercise, we are trying to get more sleep, we are trying to be more loving, etc. To state that we are TRYING (albeit, true) is a demonstration of a lack of commitment and doubt in regards to our abilities to succeed. We may not be certain that we can pull it off, so we only put one toe in the water. After all, no one wants to fail, so do we really want to declare that we are going to lose 10 pounds (when we are not completely sure that we’ll be able to do it)? It is a logical approach, but largely ineffective in application.

Our ability to commit to and affirmatively declare a goal inspires momentum and results in immediate accountability. There is tremendous power in directing our faith to the belief that we will indeed succeed in our aspirations. If there is an underlying fear of failure and we allow it to take root, we are ensuring future challenges because we are creating our own road blocks with our self-doubt and insecurity. If we really want to increase the probability of success, we must be willing to stand tall and unashamed in our declarations.

If the suggestion of this level of commitment makes you uneasy, consider the power of choice. Once you have formulated a focused strategy to reach your goal (an exercise regime, for example), watch your words. If you cannot comfortably state, “I am going to lose 10 pounds in the next year,” replace it with “I am choosing to be more conscious of my food selection and physical activity to get in better shape. As a result, I will lose weight, increase my health and feel better. I am choosing to believe that I can lose 10 pounds or more before the end of the year.” If you end up falling short of your goal, you can simply re-evaluate and make a different choice without the shame that it is often associated with the failure of not doing what we said that we were going to do.

Success or sabotage? Success requires a consciousness that is aligned with our clear intent. If we want to ensure our continued success, we must use all of the tools in our arsenal.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What is your commitment to creating a day that works for you and how are you expressing it to yourself and others?