A goal is defined as the achievement towards which an endeavor is
directed; an objective. Fairly self-explanatory and most people
understand this concept. Yet, goals are also elusive for many people
and that’s what we want to explore here.
Why are simple concepts such as goals, goal setting, and goal
achievement so elusive for so many?
To answer this question, we must first explore the context in
which a goal is set, and contrast that with the context in which it
is set, by successful achievers from all walks of life. Many people
have goals set for them by their family, employer, and other outside
forces. In addition, it is common that individuals set goals they
know they must achieve in order to fulfill some kind of obligation.
What is missing in this picture? Passion is missing; a burning
desire to accomplish the goal. We never accomplish goals that we are
not passionate about. Instead, life usually finds a way to interfere.
Still, you are probably thinking that you cannot escape some of these
goals that have been placed on you by your responsibilities and you
are not likely to become passionate about filling out your boss’
expense report any time soon. We’re going to teach you a simple
trick that we use to get passionate about any goal.
But first …
Successful achievers in all fields; be it business, relationships,
finance, science, or any other field have one thing in common without
exception. They have a passion for what they are doing. Let’s look
at an example:
Do you think Donald Trump is passionate about real estate?
Clearly, the man has a burning desire to create and participate
in more real estate deals. Now, do you think he is also passionate
about filling out the paperwork for loans and mortgages? Somehow that
is doubtful. You may be thinking “he has someone else do that
stuff” and you are correct but it wasn’t always this way. In
fact, if he had not filled out all of his paperwork in the early part
of his career, he would not be in a position to hire someone else
now. So how did he get himself to do it?
Donald, like all successful achievers found a way to create
passion for the less meaningful task. This is done by placing a goal
in the context of our burning desire. Another way to look at this is
to reframe the reason for achieving the goal in order to align with
that which you are passionate about. Using the example of Mr. Trump,
he connected the fact that completing the paperwork (which he had no
passion for) moved him towards his passion of creating profitable
real estate deals.
Herein, lies the secret to goal achievement! Your burning
desire, your passion, is your vision for your life (or an aspect of
your life) and your goals are tasks and objectives that move you
closer to that vision. You must find a way to associate and frame
every necessary goal to your passion. Doing so will create a burning
desire to accomplish the goal, because it is part of your passion.
As promised, we want to share with you a trick we use to create
passion for our goals … even when those goals are not ones we
created for ourselves. This trick can be used for things like work
goals, family obligation goals, goals to get out of debt, or anything
else that is a necessity goal but not one that you are passionate
about.
1.Define the goal.
What is your goal? As an example, let’s say your boss has given
you an assignment that you would rather not do. It is not something
you are passionate about but you have to do it nonetheless. Let’s
say you have to review and study the entire year’s marketing data
and create a report.
2.Frame the goal to your passion.
To do this, you must first identify your passion. An example would
be you are passionate about being retired by 50 which will allow you
to spend time travelling with your family – lifelong dream of
yours.
Reframing is a powerful tool if done correctly. Imagine you did
the task well; in fact, you not only analyzed the data but created
suggestions for improvement that were not required of you.
Why did you do this? Because you realized and aligned the goal
with your passion. If you do this small task to the best of your
ability, are you likelier to get a promotion or the boss’ favor?
Yes! It is not guaranteed but it is certainly more likely than if you
did the task poorly or were late in delivering. And if you approach
all of your work this way, how long will it be before “the powers
that be” notice your high value. Aren’t you more likely to
achieve your passion and dream if you do this task better, faster,
and go above and beyond the call of duty?
3.Visualize the outcome of your passion through the
accomplishment of the goal.
You begin to see that this goal, though not of your choosing, is a
required step in the process to achieving your dream. You are one
step closer. How does it feel? Really visualize it – the
excitement, the acknowledgement at the office, the pride of doing the
job better than was ever expected of you, having more time after
because you finished early, telling your family that you are doing
everything to ensure your dream with them. Where is your head, your
eyes, how is your breathing. What are you hearing and seeing? Really
visualize everything. Now, put your body in the same position, breath
the same way, feel those emotions.
4.Anchor the new frame.
If you have done the visualization process you should be feeling
good about your goal now. But this is not enough because feeling good
now is only temporary. We now want to anchor. Anchoring is a
technique where once we’re in a peak emotional and physical state,
we do something to anchor the experience. While in peak state you
might squeeze your fist, or tap your shoulder, and any other physical
activity that is unique to this instance.
Repeat the visualization and anchoring often the first few days
(3-5 times per day) and then visualize and anchor each time you begin
to work on your goal and after you have completed it for the day.
Over time, it will become easier and easier to get into a “peak
state,” find the passion, and be productive. As you anchor, you
will begin to notice that even this small physical gesture creates
these same emotions in you.
Now you know one of the biggest missing ingredients in most goals.
Find the passion, reframe the goal to align with the passion, and
anchor the frame repeatedly. But reading isn’t enough either. You
now have to apply this technique. Get going, do it, complete your
goals, and live your dream!
By,
Michael Bloxton,
President &
CEO
OneMYnd, LLC