So, here we are! 2016 at last … a whole new year, a clean slate! Even if it’s not a “resolution” per se, everyone has goals for 2016, whether it has to do with health, wealth, relationships or happiness.
In Brian Tracy’s book, Flight Plan, he uses the analogy of a flight to explain the process of setting goals for personal success. You can be sure that most flights will be off-course, but they all reach their destination. Along the way the pilot has to deal with storms, turbulence or crosswinds, which force him to make adjustments throughout the journey. This is exactly how goal setting works!

So, if you find yourself resisting the whole idea of setting goals, or feel like you’re just setting yourself up for failure, make sure that you know your “destination”, also be aware that you will have to make adjustments along the way. For most people, knowing the destination is not the problem. What holds most people back is charting the destination, making the right adjustments and sticking to it. What are your goals for 2016? It’s time to make it happen!

Here are a few tips on how to achieve your personal goals to help you build the life you want:
• Pick one. Do you want to run your first marathon, or write your first novel? Awesome. Put this at the forefront of your 2016 planner. Get specific. Rather than setting a goal to get in shape, set a goal to do 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
• Keep it real. Goals should be attainable and realistic. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have big picture, fantastic dream goals. You should!
• Set a date. Put your gaols on a timeline. Determine what you want to achieve within one year and figure out your game plan. Start with the end in mind and break down the steps it takes to reach that goal.
• Write it down. In the words of Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right”. From wishful thinking to actually achieving your goals, you need to write down your commitments. This way you are telling your brain that this is important and that you’re not going to drop the ball on this one.
• Quit thinking and start doing. If you’re trying to think of a brilliant plot twist that will make your novel a bestseller before you write a word, don’t. Just get typing.
• Make it stick. Make this part of your morning ritual. Read your goals out loud every day; create a desktop background on your laptop with the desired outcomes.
• Surround yourself with people that align with your goals. Have a goal buddy. Accountability is the secret.
• Keep track of your progress. Maybe it’s a fitness app, or a Google document tracking your workouts. Don’t get discouraged; make a few tweaks every day to stay on track.
• Recognize and celebrate each one of your small successes leading up to the big one.

Remember, don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. We wish you a blessed, successful and healthy 2016!

Source: www.forbes.com, www.agirlobsessedblog.com, www.asianefficiency.com, evagregory.com, thefreelancecat.com