Ten steps to achieving your goals

SACRAMENTO (JobJournal) -- The ability to set goals and to develop a plan for the accomplishment of those goals is arguably the most important ingredient of success. Mastering this skill will enable you to achieve your dreams faster than you ever thought possible. Here is a powerful, yet simple strategy that can be used to help you achieve anything in life that you desire.

1. Set your goal. The first step is to find a goal that is big enough to inspire you. Unless you are truly inspired to accomplish the goal, it is just a wish. By calling it a goal, you are affirming that (a) you desire it intensely, (b) you truly believe in your ability to achieve it, and (c) you are willing to pay the price in advance for achieving your goal.

2. Write down your goal. Specifying your goal in writing stimulates the 'filtering' part of your brain, called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). When you write out your goal, the RAS begins collecting relevant information, then sends results to the conscious part of your mind. It acts 'behind the scenes,' causing you to become aware of opportunities that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Make sure that the goal is positive, is written in the present tense, is action-oriented, and is specific and as detailed as possible.

3. Establish a deadline for the achievement of your goal. By setting a deadline, your subconscious is activated to ensure the achievement of your goal within the prescribed timeframe. If you follow all the steps in this process, and your projections are realistic, then you will achieve your goal by the deadline.

4. Determine all the ways you will benefit from achieving the goal. You will only be compelled to achieve your goal if it is something that inspires you and causes such intense desire in you that you are willing to do whatever it takes. By writing down the reasons you want to achieve your goal, you'll discover how intense your desire really is.

5. Identify what stands between you and your goal. There will probably be several obstacles. Make a list of these 'challenges' and rank them in order of priority. Then, begin taking action to remove or get past each item that stands in the way of the accomplishment of your goal.

6. Design an action plan for accomplishing your goal. This detailed plan will encompass everything that you have done in the previous steps. Write out all the steps that you will have to take, and rank them in order of priority. Assign target dates for each step.

7. Visualize your goal as already having been accomplished. Review your goal daily. The more detailed you can make your vision, the more powerful it will be.

8. Affirm your goal as already having been accomplished. Every day, read your goal either silently or aloud. Repeat it to yourself, over and over again.

9. Resolve to take massive action toward the achievement of your goal. Persistence and determination will keep you on the success track anytime obstacles try to stand in your way. By taking continuous action, you will eventually reach the point where nothing can stop you.

10. Take one specific action every day to propel you toward your goal. By taking continuous action, you develop the necessary discipline and momentum that are essential to achieving your goals.

Any worthwhile goal requires sustained effort. By consistently applying these methods, you will develop the success habits that will enable you to achieve any goal you desire.

Courtesy of JobJournal.com.

Courtesy of JobJournal.com and Brandpoint Content. Copyright 2015 by Job Journal. All rights reserved.

For more job-search advice and information, visit JobJournal.com and click on Resources.