Riding the Goal Setting High

So, did you go ahead and get a new goal written down this past week? Did you notice that after you wrote it out and had your plan in place, you had increased energy and enthusiasm? That feeling is an actual adrenaline high, a rush you get from seeing all the potential and knowing what you want is reachable. And it can be an addictive. For some, this results in continuously setting new goals and making new plans but not necessarily completing the previous ones. If you really enjoy that goal setting high (I know I do!) you can get that on a regular basis with the same goal and use it to keep you motivated and energized every step of the way.

First, break up your bigger, long-term goals into bite-sized pieces then plan them only one or two at a time. Planning–being able to visual how you will reach your next mini-goal–is what brings on the excitement.

Secondly, bounce ideas about your plans off someone else, someone who is supportive and maybe even a little challenging or has goals of their own to share. These conversations can bring up all kinds of new ideas and possibilities that you might not have thought up on your own. It also forces you to be clear about your goals and plans and draw very concrete pictures. And the clearer you can see what you will do and what it will accomplish, the more sustained enthusiasm you will have.

And lastly, whenever you feel your enthusiasm waver, sit down and write out what you are doing, where you are at, and what you plan to do next to reach your goal. This will re-immerse you in your planning, give you a clear idea of how far you’ve come, and how easy the next steps will be. And you’ll find yourself excited all over again.

Chapter 3 of my book, “How to Ignite Your Passion for Living” speaks to the magic of goal setting and the adrenaline rush it creates. Take a look and see if just reading about this simple but fantastic technique doesn’t get you excited and maybe even a little addicted to the goal setting high.

To inspire you, I have put together a collection of my videos and interviews on YouTube. Just go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/tmassociates1