GOAL SETTING...A MUST!

By: Elaine Romberg
Date: 9/1/2007

The fourth quarter of 2007 is almost here, and for most, it is the time of the year when we take a look at what has been accomplished this past year - how close we have come to our 2007 goals - and now, the important task of setting goals for the New Year - 2008.

There is an old saying that it really isn't necessary to have a well laid-out plan as to where you intend to go because eventually you will get there anyway...this may be true, but it is also true that if you are serious about wanting to "get there," the best way is to plan - to lay it out - to have goals and to honestly know where you want to be a year from now. If you do this, you will not only reach your goals, but probably will get there sooner.

It is almost like a ship without a rudder or a builder without a blueprint - does a sailor or builder want to be directionless and just "hope" things will work out? Absolutely not.

Successful people are always goal-setters. The goals they set are lodged in their minds - they believe they can reach their goals, and one of the most important things in setting goals is "believing" you "can" do it. A person's life-style may even change because they are continually concentrating and focusing on the goal(s) they want to achieve.

There are some considerations to think about as you prepare 2008 goals for yourself and your company...

*Dream - dream the goal! There is no greater power than the creative idea you have that you put into action. Think about inventions - they all start with an idea - and appear in that individual's mind as something that can be accomplished. Whether you know it or not, your dreams are the catalyst in your endeavor.

If you haven't read the book, "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen, you may want to go to the library and check this one out. James Allen says, "Dream lofty dreams." He recommends scheduling a period of time every day - a quiet time when you can meditate - but make sure it is a quiet place where you can actually picture your dream...and before long this becomes not only an imaginary dream, but it will be something you continually think about...and remember if you don't have a dream, your dream will never be able to come true.

*Goal-setting creates "focused energy." It is the kind of energy a billy goat has...if you know what I mean! When you focus on what you really want to do (a trait found in successful people), the aggressive spirit in you begins to channel your energy toward your goal...think about it...if you really want to attend a Green Bay Packer game - to what length would you be willing to go to get the tickets?! You will focus on reaching the goal of getting tickets no matter what...this is "focused energy."

*Desire is probably somewhat the same as "focused energy," but to me, desire is one of the most important attributes a person has. Desire allows your determination to reach higher levels. Desire forces you to plan, to organize and reorganize, and to do whatever is necessary to remove any obstacles standing in your way.

*Determination - determination is a key ingredient in reaching your goals. Determination will not allow you to fail...it will be the factor that allows you to successfully compete - think of Abraham Lincoln who persevered to become President of the United States...he experienced two nervous breakdowns, failed at two businesses he started and unsuccessfully competed five times for major public offices! Then he became President. This is truly determination...the never giving up, but doing what you have to do to reach the goal.

*Enthusiasm is another trait which allows us to reach our goals. Enthusiasm draws people to you - it is infectious and people enjoy being around enthusiastic people. We all know what it is like to be around the person who is "gloom and doom" and "totally negative." It is no fun. The opposite of this of course, is the enthusiastic person who is a people motivator, they make us feel better and we are happier and as a result we enjoy what we are doing. The fact of the matter is you can only lift someone else to the level of enthusiasm which you possess.

And now, after committing your goals and knowing you "can do it," remember...American ends with the 4 letters, "I CAN!"

Elaine Romberg is the President of Inter-City Personnel Associates (IPA). She can be contacted at 920.720.5323, or by email at ipa@athenet.net.