Tag Archives: goal setting

Need some inspiration?

Posted in Developing the Possibilities Mindset, Practicing Self Mastery by

I was reminded today by Timothy Ferris about the importance of setting goals and the reality of the world we live in today. To say that I was encouraged would be an understatement!

Hope his words have the same effect on you as they did me.

It’s lonely at the top. 99% of the world is convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for the mediocre middle-ground. The level of competition is thus fiercest for “realistic” goals, paradoxically making them the most time- and energy-consuming. It is often easier to raise $10,000,000 than it is $1,000,000. It is easier to pick up the one perfect 10 in the bar than the five 8s.

If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think.

Unreasonable and unrealistic goals are easier to achieve for yet another reason.

Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations that go along with any goal. Realistic goals, goals restricted to the average ambition level, are uninspiring and will only fuel you through the first or second problem, at which point you throw in the towel. If the potential payoff is mediocre or average, so is your effort. I’ll run through walls to get a catamaran trip through the Greek islands, but I might not change my brand of cereal for a weekend trip through Columbus, Ohio. If I choose the latter because it is “realistic,” I won’t have the enthusiasm to jump even the smallest hurdle to accomplish it. With beautiful, crystal-clear Greek waters and delicious wine on the brain, I’m prepared to do battle for a dream that is worth dreaming. Even though their difficulty of achievement on a scale of 1-10 appears to be a 2 and a 10 respectively, Columbus is more likely to fall through.

The fishing is best where the fewest go. There is just less competition for bigger goals.

Thanks Tim!

image from http://www.bouldermapgallery.com

Why Aren’t You Achieving Your Goals?

Posted in Developing the Possibilities Mindset, Practicing Self Mastery by

As published in my weekly column in today’s Business Newsday

Nowadays a discussion around goal setting is usually accompanied by the acronym SMART. In order for you to achieve any goals they must be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Specifics help us to focus our efforts and clearly define what we are going to do. Specific is the What, Why, and How of the SMART model however if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. When you identify goals that are most important to you, you can then begin to figure out ways to make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals. Realistic means “do-able.” It means that the learning curve is not a vertical slope; that the skills needed to do the work are available and finally if you don’t set a time, then your commitment is too weak. You will never achieve your goal without this component. Without a time limit, there’s simply no urgency for you to start taking action now!

This process is simple, understandable, straightforward and doable so why – despite following this plan to a ‘T’ are you STILL not achieving your goals? What’s missing?

We have to move setting goals from our heads into our hearts. Goal setting is not about being logical. It is not learning the formula and applying the formula in a very clinical way to your life. It requires some key ingredients if it is to work. So if you’re approaching the process as you were a math problem you are doomed to fail.

“My life would be wonderful if I could just start a business on the side that could help me pay my bills.”

“I wish that I could get completely out of debt so that I could remove the emotional stress that is definitely holding me back from soaring success.”

“You know what would make me really happy? I want a six bedroom, two bathroom house in Port of Spain.”

The most important word for you to remember once you hear yourself saying “I wish”, “I want” or “If I could just” is ‘Why.’ Why? Well, for a number of reasons.

It forces you to question yourself as to the real motivating force behind the goal and gives you the real reason why you want to achieve that goal. Sometimes when you discover what this is you may find that starting the side business in order to help you pay your bills or getting the magnificent house isn’t enough to motivate you to action.

Let me explain. Every goal is made up of two factors – knowledge and feeling. A goal contains a piece of knowledge with a charge of feeling and it is that feeling alone that gives power to the goal. No matter how important or magnificent the knowledge content may be, if there is no feeling attached to this goal then nothing will happen.

You have to become a detective in your own life. Imagine what you you’re going to get from owning a business on the side, clearing your debt or owning the huge house. Use adjectives – not nouns or verbs. Popular ‘O’ coach Martha Beck says that nouns and verbs are risky: They bring to mind “imagined situations,” as opposed to “imagined experiences.” You see experiences, (how the situations make us feel) and NOT the situations alone are ALWAYS what we really want!

So start with a ‘why’ and make that ‘why’ HUGE. So your huge ‘why’ for getting out of debt fast might be that you just don’t sleep well and you somehow suspect that all the worrying that you’re doing at present may affect your health negatively and compromise the time that you have with your kids. This isn’t good for you, especially as a single parent. Now, forget about the fantasy situation you imagined and focus on the adjectives. Your adjectives might include strong, confident, healthy and unstoppable. These four words will bring your stated goal into sharper focus, help you fine tune your strategy towards achieving it and of course your ‘BIG WHY’ will keep you motivated.

SMART goal setting is important. This is the knowledge you need. But remember that your head and heart must be involved. If you find yourself pining for a particular achievement, longing for some goal, take a moment to determine your why, and then go fishing for adjectives to describe how achieving that goal is going to make you feel. Focusing your attention on your feelings will make your experience real right now and help you to create the future situations that fulfill your truest desires and ultimately your goals.

Graphic from http://www.netnewnow.com

Beware of ‘Word’ Narcotics

Posted in Practicing Self Mastery by

For many years I have been trying to find reasons why someone with obvious potential for greatness wastes their life and someone who, by society’s standards, was least likely to succeed, creates monumental success for themselves.

Having said that, potential is a word that I disliked. Only because I’d heard it so much in my life. “Why aren’t you doing X or Y? You have so much potential!” Grrrrrrr.

Now I’ve made my peace.

The discussion about my own potential made me uncomfortable only because I knew I could do better but really didn’t know what I needed to do. I was reading the ‘success’ books and listening to the motivational tapes and nothing was happening.

Well that’s not entirely true.

What was happening was that I was slowly changing my way of thinking and I was beginning to see myself differently – as someone able to really explore and begin living out my full potential.

But there was still something missing.

ACTION!

I was saying all the right things but I wasn’t DOING anything and that’s my  message today.

BEWARE OF WORD NARCOTICS!

What we tell ourselves while doing nothing about it could be detrimental to our lives!

Jim Rohn calls it action versus delusion. He talks about the man who dreams of wealth and yet walks daily toward certain financial disaster and the woman who wishes for happiness and yet thinks thoughts and commits acts that lead her toward certain despair. They are both victims of the false hope which ‘talking’ without action can manufacture.

If we’re not careful, our words about what we’re doing can have the same effect like a narcotic, lulling us into believing that if we say what we want enough we will get it, somehow without action.This is why affirmations don’t work, that is without faith and action.

So please be aware of using ‘word’ drugs to temporarily soothe  your pain and numb  you temporarily from the effects of your inaction.

Robert Ringer said simply “Nothing happens until something moves!”

Erm that something I’m afraid is YOU and ME of course in the direction of our dreams!

Let’s rock the boat, fly the coop, wing it, or ANYTHING that with movement, will take us that much closer to fulfilling our true potential.

I love you potential!

And in case you need a summary of what I just said in pictures….

HA!

What Advice Would You Give Yourself at this Time in Your Life?

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I’ve been thinking about my life – its significance – am I doing what I should be doing?

For the first time it feels right. I’ve done things that I COULD do but didn’t necessarily enjoy doing. I’ve been paid for many  projects but was not fulfilled by the work.

Now I get to choose and that’s because I started to give myself different prerequisites…like

I must have fun

I must be able to make a difference

People must want more for themselves than I want for them

People must share my values

Clients must respect me and value my services

Now I’m giving myself some other tips.

Clients must have an exceptional experience when they interact with me. They must feel motivated and excited to explore ALL possibilities in their lives. Whenever they’re around me they must get a good feeling inside.

My advice to myself as I head into 2011:

Remember it’s a business that you’re running at all times. It’s OK to make money as you make a difference. The fees you charge announce your value and expertise – never be ashamed or bashful in quoting your fees. You may cause more damage to yourself and to the person you’re trying to help by giving away your services for FREE. This does not mean that you NEVER give. Simplicity is key. Always have in front of you your simple business formula. Ensure that you reflect every day on your mission, and values. Ensure that you don the right mindset for daily success. At the beginning of each day write down your number one goal and spend some time brainstorming at least twenty ways to achieve it. Don’t let business slip through the cracks. Maintain and update your client database often and design a one touch a month system for each person on that list. Be memorable. Be remarkable. Live your philosophy!

What advice would you give to you?

Image from http://www.scarletstarstudios.com

The P word that’s packed with power!

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ERSISTENCE!

Without it – not much happens. Chances are, the first time you attempt something, you’re not going to be successful. Without persistence you’ll just throw in the towel, roll over and expire. Persistence is the ‘fall down seven times, get up eight’ principle. It’s dipping down inside of you for that energy to do just one more thing, when you feel you can’t go any more. It’s the drive you need to lose the last five pounds, to finish paying off the credit card even though you’ve cleared almost all, to quit smoking completely although you’re now only down to one pack a day.

Persistence means don’t settle – don’t get comfortable – don’t relax – until you really get to where you want to go.

Stop and rest a bit for sure – but don’t rest too long. Getting back in the game is the hardest thing to do. When you build momentum you just keep going – and going and then before you know it – you’ll be there – and then there – and then THERE!

Wherever.

Whatever.

It’s all possible for you if only you’d persist!

The letter P brought to you by http://www.etc.usf.edu

Time to Celebrate!Goal Achieved!!!!!

Posted in Developing the Possibilities Mindset, Practicing Self Mastery by

On the 23rd of October 2010 I achieved my goal of posting something EVERYDAY on my blog! I know it’s not much of a celebration for you but what can you celebrate?

So often we trundle through life, pursuing, achieving, never taking the time to honor ourselves and give ourselves a well deserved pat on the back for what we have accomplished.

The 90 day goal for me was inspired by a writer who set out to blog for 90 days straight. It wasn’t always easy and many times I was stumped for ideas or just too tired to write. But I did.

And I feel (like Tony the Tiger) GGGGRRRREEAT!

Think of something that you need to stop, congratulate yourself for – AND celebrate! We need to do this if we’re going to enjoy the journey and the arrival.

What’s next for me? Well now that blogging is a habit, I’ll continue every day.

My new goal…drum roll……..

For the next 90 days I am going to promote my business to at least 5 persons/business owners a day! I don’t like promoting myself. I always get self conscious and feel that I need to learn more, do more, be more before I am ‘ready’. I’ll never be ready LOL so I’m plunging right in!

Will keep you posted as to the result of my efforts!

Graphic of Tony from http://www.thatsgame6.com

 

 

 

 

 

Is Selling Really Difficult or is that an Excuse?

Posted in Developing the Possibilities Mindset by

A business is not a business until a sale is made. And a sale is not a sale until the cheque clears in the bank. The road to making these sales and cashing these cheques always appears to be paved with nails and thorns. Show me happy sales people and sales managers who aren’t lamenting and I will be thrilled to change my tune but I think that I’m onto something here, but I’m not sure how popular I’ll be after sharing it!

I remember reading once where this company making pizzas wanted to increase their sales by speeding up production. They figured they could significantly increase the number of pizzas being made per hour. So they trained up their staff and monitored the speed of production. During one of these “observation sessions” the production manager discovered that the customer service employee dealing on the front end of the operation was getting a wee bit too friendly with the “dough boy” making the pizzas at the back. And so he solved the problem by firing the unfortunate customer service representative and replacing her with someone else. Did this solve his production problem? Well no. You see what he discovered was the real problem was the size of the oven. Although more pizzas were made, there was a hold up waiting to put them into the oven. This lag time was what his pizza maker used to chat up the girls in front.

Many companies spend a lot of money investing in sales training: “How to Open”, “How to Close”, “How to Deal with Hostile Customers” etc. Sales Managers conduct weekly sales meetings and attempt to role play to re-enact field experiences and to course correct and solve problems so that the next week will be a better week. Companies have used incentives to sweeten the pot and encourage more selling activity from their representatives. Yet many of these efforts results in little change in the results. Those who were already doing ok or better are continuing to do so and those who were not remain in underperforming mode.

And then there is the business owner’s perspective. They claim that poor sales is the result of “just the way things are right now” and the good ole “everybody is reporting the same thing – business is slow, sales are down, it’s a tough time, there is nothing really that you can do, it’s just how it is!”

The general assumption is that selling is a tough job. I would rather say that selling like any other job is challenging but please don’t hide behind that excuse and resign yourself to poor results. Don’t try to justify your behaviour by making it out to be more difficult than it needs to be.

When you are attached to this excuse you don’t have to ever make a commitment to working through to possible solutions. Sales executives will conveniently find reasons to leave one job in search of “easier” ones before they get fired of course and come Friday they will be happy to share over a beverage or three how much they ‘gave’ to the company and how they weren’t recognized for their efforts and ‘hard’ work.

In any situation, if you are busy making excuses you miss opportunities for help and you are unable to see potential doors that could open for you. If you are busy just appearing to be busy, showing “I’m not sure whom” that no matter how hard you try, selling right now, particularly for THAT product in THIS market is tough then all that happens is that your self induced stress becomes your badge of honour and you will spend much of your time complaining about the idiots you work with and compete with your colleagues as to whose day was worse.

If you have the courage to admit that you’ve used any of these excuses before then I have a couple of solutions for you. But first I have a message for all sales managers: If you’ve done all you can, training executives etc. still without results then more motivation, juicier incentives or plain old nagging with regard to unfulfilled quotas won’t get you better results. There may be other issues that the representative needs to uncover first before advising them that “selling is just a numbers game.” If you’ve done all you can but you somehow feel that the person has potential then get help. The Frameworks® Coaching Process is one way. If you want more information just email me and I’d be happy to share.

The next solution is from Earl Nightingale. He suggests that you make this a habit and I’ve taken his advice so it’s up to you. Every morning set aside about an hour and on a plain sheet of paper write out your money goal then jot down as many ideas that might come to you to achieve it. Get down as many as twenty ideas. Some are going to be great, some are not. It does not matter. If you do this five days a week – that’s 100 ideas each week that will probably result in better returns than hiding behind and constantly claiming how hard selling actually is and how you are just waiting it out until the economy improves!

Change is difficult – step or otherwise

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There’s something to be said about persistence.

There’s something to be said about having a good support system in place particularly when you embark on an unfamiliar journey.

Kinda reminds me of the song “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” made popular by James Ingram and Patti Austin in the ’80s.

“How do you keep the music playing?
How do you make it last?
How do you keep the song from fading too fast?”

How do you keep the momentum, motivation and inspiration – not when life is sunny and forthcoming – but when things get rocky and the world around you looks nothing like the vision in your head when you started your journey?

“If we can be the best of lovers
Yet be the best of friends
If we can try with everyday to make it better as it grows
With any luck, then I suppose
The music never ends”

It’s so important to love ourselves; to be our own supporters; to keep our vision in focus; to not be thrown off by what is happening outside of us and to remember first that it always starts from within.

It means developing a ritual to support this, never straying far from what got you started in the first place. It means picking yourself back up and getting back on track. It means reminding yourself that this is just the second day haha! and things will get better!

You must set yourself up for success: the right books, the right thoughts, the right team.

Change is difficult yet today I remember – that the music is me and I intend to play out all my songs, that may outlast eternity!