Successful Goal Setting Will Put You Ahead of Your Competition

After my last article and my mention of goal setting I started to think about my own goals for the quickly approaching New Year. I have some goals I revise and reuse every year. Writing down my goals clarifies what I want to accomplish, as stated by author Arnold Patent, “What you focus on expands”. I apply this belief to every area of my life and it always rings true. When you focus on positive, forward thinking thoughts you don’t have time to dwell on past mistakes, negative thoughts or outside distractions. It keeps you thinking, even subconsciously, on how to achieve your objectives.

Every January countless Americans make resolutions regarding changes they want to make in and for themselves. Most people never do anything to see these resolutions become reality. The pivotal mistake is not writing down the goals. As Gene Donohue, founder of TopAchievement.com says, “The difference between a dream and a goal is the written word”. Write down your goals, short-term and long-term. Be specific and write down dates, specific outcomes and how you plan on achieving your goals. Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable. You probably won’t achieve your dream to become a Major League Baseball player if you have never picked up a bat and you’re 50 years old.

Goals you set for yourself don’t have to be monetary or professional-status related. They can be to improve a skill or characteristic by taking a class or seminar, or to read several monthly industry magazines. Think about quitting something… smoking, interrupting while people are talking, not keeping eye contact in a conversation, or being late to meetings. You might want to organize your work space, files, or a database. Maybe you can work to increase revenues, marketing strategies or even leisure time. How about offering pro bono work or some kind of community service to help others as a goal for this year?

Whatever your goals are, it is important that you review them often – preferably daily. Say the goals out loud or write them repeatedly to secure them in your mind. Another good habit is to review them in your mind before you go to bed and again in the morning to start your day with right thoughts. Practice stopping the negative talk in your head - it will defeat you if you let it. This takes a while to accomplish but every time you change your negative thoughts to positive ones you are making a difference. The more often you catch yourself and change your thoughts the easier it becomes.

Wanting badly to accomplish your goals is also important for them to be achieved. Keep the desire fresh by focusing on the final outcomes of your goals. Imagine what it will feel like and the difference it will make in you life after your goals are achieved. Hold on to those feelings and visit them often to keep you motivated while working toward your goals.

Finally, learn to believe your goals as the truth. Then watch what happens. One year from now, how many goals were accomplished? I bet you’ll be surprised and delighted. When it happens – reward yourself! Even if it is just a pat on the back or a star sticker next to your written list of goals, you deserve it. Realize you can accomplish anything through setting goals, a strong desire to achieve them and proper, positive thought patterns.

Happy New Year!!

Preparing Your Career for 2007

It is already well into the Christmas shopping season. Christmas songs play on every radio channel and TV commercial, and Christmas cards have started rolling in. With all the busyness of the season many professionals overlook the need to reevaluate short and long-term career management goals, strategies and expectations. How have you fared this year? Are you still on target? Do you have changes you need to make?

Lots to think about! Maybe New Years isn’t a good time, maybe spring time would work better for you. It really doesn’t matter when it is done as long as you review your goals annually. Think of it as a yearly check-up. Usually a dreaded event but always glad you did it once it's done.

During your annual evaluation some things you'll want to consider adding to your resume should include new courses, seminars or certifications completed throughout the year. Take note and tuck away positive reviews, press releases involving your accomplishments or assistance, bonuses and awards in a file for future use. It is much easier to do this as an annual or ongoing task then 5 or 6 years down the line when details start to become fuzzy.

When the need for an update in your resume does present itself you won’t have to waste valuable time searching through files or old calendars trying to remember significant information. It might make the difference in getting your new resume together and to your potential employer in time.

Look over your goals (another good habit to get into!!) you made for the year. Have you accomplished them? Was it a successful year? Are you still on track with your focused career objective? Answering these and other questions will help you determine your success level for the year.

What are your goals for 2007? Can you list 5 short-term and 5 long-term goals that will help you stay motivated and working towards your focused career objective? Think about what you want to accomplish this year. Take a few classes, attend a conference, and expand your network are all productive goals that keep you moving forward. Make the goals detailed with deadlines and specific outcomes. Keep your Goal List in a spot where you will see it often such as a briefcase or in your planner. Review the goals often and watch them come true!!!

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A note about end of the year job searching. Most people think end of the year is a bad time to search for work. But this is not always the case. Some Hiring managers are putting together budgets and expected employment reports for the next year. Getting your resume to someone who is currently contemplating adding employees can make the end of the year a great time to search for work. Something to keep in mind!

Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!!