Goals--Clarity over Quantity

We all have a number of things we would like to accomplish in life. We usually turn it into a goal that generates “shoulds” for us to do. Things like—increasing our net profits, learning to play the guitar, making a million dollars, losing twenty pounds, writing a novel, getting up earlier, or spending more time with friends and family. Given our limited amount of time and energy, we must make decisions and set priorities in order to make progress. Choosing to make progress toward ONE goal might be the best course of action to ensure accomplishment of that goal and to avoid feelings of failure when you don’t get done what you think you “should” be.

I have this problem myself. Every year when looking at my goals and plans, I’ll toss out several and try to narrow my focus. It doesn’t take long for other goals and plans to sneak their way back in. While I truly do want to accomplish all of them--realistically, though—unless I focus on only a few goals, I won’t be able to accomplish most of them.

One of the best-kept talents of successful people is the ability to let go of goals that cannot be achieved or started in the near future. To set realistic goals you must be willing to fully commit to working on the path to that goal and be capable of investing the time and energy required to accomplish it. Otherwise it will just “hang” over your head and diminish your resources available for the goals you can achieve.

Remember that you are in control of your life. Choose goals and paths that empower you. Pick the ones that resonate deeply with you and that are realistic considering your current skills and learning ability. After you reach that goal, then you can set the bar higher for the next one…building on your successes, instead of beating yourself up for your long list of unfulfilled dreams.