PERSONAL
GOALS FOR 2006
“A successful man is he who receives
a great deal from his fellowmen, usually incomparably more
than corresponds to his service to them. The value of a
man, however, should be seen in what he gives and not in
what he is able to receive.”
--Albert Einstein
As we face the challenges of 2006, most of us are vague
about our goals and the image we want to project. We work
very hard at what we do, but seldom take the time to ask
ourselves, “Where am I going? How will I get there?
How will I know when I’ve arrived?” Goal-setting
helps us to accomplish not only the smaller tasks of daily
living but also long-term goals for improving the quality
of our lives, for enriching our experiences, and for giving
and receiving love and care.
A new year’s goal is a statement about a desirable
year ahead and a new image for the self. It starts out being
general, but becomes more clearly defined as you answer
the question, “How will I know I’ve achieved
it?” Goal-setting is a way of keeping track of your
energy and enthusiasm. A clear goal can provide you with
feedback about your progress or lack of it. Goals change
over time, but at least, they provide a starting point.
The more specific and tangible your goals become, the more
likely you will be able to work fitting them into your available
time schedule.
To be useful, a goal and self-image should provide a challenge
but still be achievable. While difficult goals can lead
to better performance than easy ones, they can, if too difficult,
actually cause stress. You would probably be wise to try
your goal out on a trusted friend who knows you well. Write
each goal down on paper using the following guide.
| MY GOAL FOR THE
NEW YEAR |
| |
|
| My goal is to |
____________________________________________________ |
| |
(write your goal) |
| by |
____________________________________________________ |
| |
(write the time frame by which you
hope to attain this goal) |
In order to achieve this goal, I will
______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ |
| (write your plan of action) |
Here are the possible ways in which I
will be able to check my progress:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
|
Visualization is a technique that will increase your awareness
and creativity. It can also be used to increase the effectiveness
of your goal-setting. In order to visualize, you need to
enter a state of deep relaxation. Imagine yourself having
already achieved your goal. See yourself in the desired
situation. Use all your senses to make the scene real for
you – hear, smell, taste, and feel your goal. Don’t
worry about getting a perfectly clear image. It will come
with a few days of practice. In this relaxed state, say
to yourself, “I’ve achieved my goal.”
For example, if your goal is to be wealthy, you might say,
“ I am now wealthy; I have all the money I need to
buy a beautiful home for my family.” Or if your goal
is to enjoy good relationships with other people, you might
say, “I have a satisfying relationship with my family
and friends. We care deeply about each other and respect
one another.”
Practice this technique two or three times daily for each
goal. The best times to practice is just as you are awakening,
falling asleep, or at midday just about meal time.
People who create vision for the self live with a sense
of direction that carries them through off days and temporary
adversity. It is important to create a vision you consider
worthy of your efforts. The vision you have created may
be a way of life you strive to attain a successful career.
You are the sum total of your thoughts. What you think,
you shall become. To be something, you must think you are
something. A successful person thinks success. He has a
high opinion of his own abilities. Success favors those
who expect good things to happen to them. Failure favors
those who expect the worst. Get an attitude, a feeling,
and a philosophy that gives you and adequate faith in yourself.
It will be your greatest asset. Your potential is unlimited.
Aspire to a high place. Image and perceive that which you
wish to be.
Start the New Year with a big bang by:
- Showing a genuine interest in others
- Being enthusiastic at all times
- Moving with confidence and a sense of purpose
- Being punctual all the time
- Being a good listener
- Observing power dressing
- Having control of emotions
- Becoming acquainted with proper etiquette, music, art,
and the like
- Projecting a natural, friendly, warm, and enthusiastic
personality
- Loving people you work with and allowing yourself to
be loved as well.
A Blessed
and a Prosperous New Year to our valued readers! |