"The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them." - Denis Whately

How to achieve your goals

2007 has seen the arrival of a new star in Formula 1 motor racing. Lewis Hamilton, a 22 yr old lad from Stevenage, has astounded us this year with his guts, drive, determination, focus and single-mindedness. He has set himself clear goals and achieved them. He has striven for perfection and if he has not always been able to achieve it, he has reviewed, readjusted and refocused. He missed being the first person ever to win a Formula 1 Championship on his rookie season by the slenderest of margins. Was he downhearted? Fleetingly maybe, but one thing that the Formula 1 fans have learnt about Lewis is that he will come back stronger next season. Indeed, it is difficult to know what anyone else will be able to do to keep up with him.

He is an inspiration and if you want a role-model for goal achieving, Lewis is your man. But what of us mere mortals? How can we emulate this giant?

Well, the truth is that he is no different from the rest of us. The only thing that sets him apart is that he is more determined to achieve his dream. We can use goals as an effective tool on our path to our own dream so long as we know how to start.

What do you want?

Successful goal setting depends on being very specific about what you want to achieve.

What exactly do you want? Write your goal in detail. When your goal is detailed it removes ambiguity and gives you precise instructions.

Make sure your goal is measurable. You need to be able to measure your progress so that you know where you are and what you still need to do.

Give yourself a time limit. When you create a deadline and make a commitment to meet it, it forces you to take action.

Why do you want to achieve your goal?

Identify why you want to achieve your goal. Knowing why you want it will help to motivate you.

What is important about your goal?

What will you have as a result of achieving your goal?

What are the benefits to you and those around you?

How will you achieve your goal?

Create a step by step action plan.

· What specific steps do you need to take to achieve your goal?
· In what order?
· What skills or knowledge do you need to achieve this goal?
· How will you get the necessary skills?
· What resources do you need?
· What obstacles will you need to overcome?
· How will you overcome them?

"Crystallize your goals. Make a plan for achieving them and set yourself a deadline. Then, with supreme confidence, determination and disregard for obstacles and other people's criticisms carry out your plan." ~ Paul Meyer

Finally, don’t be frightened to seek help

I always include this on my action list. To deny asking anyone for help is to deny a major resource. However, many people seem to feel that admitting that they would like some assistance is a major sign of weakness! Smart people don’t think like this. Achieving your goals needs focus and single-mindedness. Seeking help from others is a smart move. Go on, and in the words of a famous sportswear company, just do it!

When we talk again, we will be well into the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Until then, I wish you great success with your goals.

Believing in you

Teresa xx

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