Why goals need a plan
SHAKING THE TREE #104
This is an updated version of a post from August of 2023.
If you want to achieve great things (or even little things) you need a goal.
If you haven’t got a goal, get one. Create one. Build one. Flesh it out. Make it real. It can be anything, but it needs to be something big you want to achieve in life and then, you need to WRITE IT DOWN.
Next, and to make that goal a reality, you need to take action: you need to create a plan and—and even more importantly—you need to WORK your plan and keep working it, even if that means adjusting the plan as you go.
When I first started blogging back in 2010, I didn’t have a plan and as a result, my results SUCKED!
These days I have a plan, I have content pillars, and I have a goal. All of which gives me CLARITY OF INTENT.
Start by getting clear about your dreams and passions. For me right now, that’s creating content to help other content creators avoid the mistakes I made.
Whatever those thing: the issues, ideas, and dreams that get you out of bed in the morning and that keep you up until the wee hours.
What do you want to do and how do you want to improve?
Identify the specific areas of your life you want to work on. Write that shit down and keep referring back to your notes.
Taking the time to write down your dreams and aspirations as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals is a great way to keep yourself on track. This clarity will help you stay focused and help you track your progress.
If you’re trying to do too much all in one go, stop. Break large tasks up into smaller tasks. By chopping major tasks up into smaller pieces you go easier on yourself, which means you’re less likely to burn out and quit.
You do this by setting priorities.
Some of your goals are going to be easier to attain than others, so take time to determine which of your goals are most important to you now and how long you’re prepares to invest in each on in order to make it something attainable.
Then, prioritize each step along the way accordingly. To avoid getting overwhelmed, only focus on one or two key objectives at a time.
Having an idea is one thing, but creating visual representations of it elevates your thinking to a whole new level. You do this by visualizing your goal through images pulled from magazines you create a powerful representation that goes a long way to making your dream into a reality.
Collect images, quotes, and symbols from whatever sources you can lay your hands on that represent your goals and create a vision board with odds and ends stuck to it to keep you motivated.
By sharing your goals with a trusted family member, associate, or friend you have someone to both support you and to hold you accountable for progress. Being accountable means you can celebrate …
When you make progress—regardless of how much progress you make—it’s OK to celebrate your achievements. By acknowledging your progress you learn to boost your motivation, which in turn keeps you inspired on track.
We all know life can, will, and does throw curveballs from time to time and because life can be unpredictable, at some point something’s going to knock you off course. But that’s OK, because even though circumstances may change, by being flexible, you open yourself up to adjusting your plans, progress, and goals while staying true to your overall goal.
By using positive affirmations to keep yourself focused, you reinforce your belief in yourself and in your abilities. By repeating affirming and empowering statements you do much to build your confidence and reinforce your self esteem.
No one knows it all and by continuously seeking out sources, advice, and knowledge you develop new approaches and new skills related to your goals, all of which helps keep you moving forward. Personal growth and personal learning will do a lot to help you overcome obstacles and set backs, all of which moves closer to your dreams.
Remember, setting goals consistent with your dreams is a journey that you control, and although progress might not always be steady, or linear, or visible, every step forward—and even steps backward—help you see a path forward.
The secret is both your ability and your willingness to be be patient with yourself and being willing to embrace every step in the process. With dedication, application, commitment, and a clear plan, it’s possible to turn any dream or idea into a reality.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why hipster morning routines are bullshit