7/13/2013

Changing Your Life One Goal At A Time

Many people question how to change their life.  The sad fact is the majority of people have no earthly idea how to go about this.  Instead, they look for quick fixes which have a short-term impact before ultimately falling back into their old behavior.  Few people realize how simple it is to make lasting changes.

Goals

Goals are one of the most important things in life.  Without a direction, it is impossible to arrive at a destination.  Most individuals are living an empty existence because of the fact they have no goals in life.  There is  nothing to look forward to.  Everyday is a replica of the day before.  This leads to months that repeat each other and, ultimately, into years.  That is why it is not uncommon to find someone who suddenly "woke up" after 20 years only to realize that he hates his life.  A life without direction only leads to emptiness.

Before going any further, I need to clarify what I mean by goals.  Certainly, everyone is aware of the personal development idea of goal setting.  This is a process whereby one uncovers his or her "life calling".  While I admit this is a wonderful path to follow if you are able to determine this, the truth is most people get lost at this point.  What is my life purpose?  That is a question that is too difficult to conclude in one weekend. 

Therefore, we need to look at goals in another manner.  If you are one of those who understands your life calling, then follow that to the ultimate end.  Congratulations.  You are one of the few.  If, however, you fall into the category of having no idea why you are here, then pay attention to what I am going to say.  The words that follow will be of tremendous help to you.

A goal is nothing more than something that you want to accomplish.  That is it.  People make it out to be this magical thing like "Living a romantic life on the Nile".  While that is also a goal, most do not need to focus at this level to be effective.  Therefore, from now on, it is best if you consider a goal nothing more than something to do.

As you can see, since goals are nothing more than a glorified "to do" list, then the process for accomplishment is easy.  Here again, I want to caution you not to get caught up in the "magnitude" of the goal.  It is usually best to start with something small and work your way up.  For example, cleaning the bathroom is a goal.  While I admit it isnt glamorous, having a clean bathroom is a worthwhile endeavor.  Of course, to complete this, the goal needs to be broken down into smaller steps such as wash sink, scrub bathtub, and clean toilet.  The process, when divided into smaller activities, is rather simple to accomplish.

Changing Your Life

How does one change his or her life with goals?  The answer to that is contained in the title of this article.  We change our lives one goal at a time. 

Instead of focusing upon the grandness of our actions, it is best to focus upon what is in front of us.  Therefore, we need to set out a series of actions which moves us towards our desired destination.  If we desire riches, as an example, there are a series of actions we need to take to start the process.  To start, perhaps we need to open up an investment or savings account.  Then we need to commit to funding it on a regular basis.  At the same time, we will need to study investment and wealth creation materials.  All these steps aid in the process of enhancing our wealth.  If one simply will follow that along, ultimately the goal will be achieved.

Another factor involved in all this is repetitive versus single time activities.  One of the truths about life is there are just things we all need to do.  It is unavoidable.  The bathroom requires cleaning and, unless you pay someone else to do it, that task falls to you.  So does doing the laundry and other assorted chores.  Many find work to be the same way.  We end up spending our time repeating the same actions over and over.

To serious change your life, you need to implement those actions which are not repetitive in nature yet carry an ongoing benefit.  Writing this article is a prime example of that.  While I can repeat the behavior of writing, once I submit this online, it is out there forever.  My action was done once yet the benefit of what is written is ongoing.  The same can apply to reading.  Read a piece of non-fiction about a subject you are interested in and you will find the benefits ongoing.  The activity was done once yet the payoff is ongoing.

The key is to sprinkle in as many of these "goals" as possible.  Going out and taking pictures of things that are of interest is another idea.  Using your talents to rebuild a car or design a home entertainment center is another.  Whatever your interest, be sure to engage upon it regularly.  The best way to do this is to break down the goal into smaller tasks while tending to those activities on a daily basis.

One of my key goals in life is continual improvement.  I look at everything through the lens of whether it will improve my life or not.  Naturally, like mentioned, I also have the repetitive actions that require my attention.  Therefore, I look at them in the light of what I am getting out of them.  Perhaps it is the benefit (such a pride) of a clean kitchen.  Or, I often look at tasks as a method of enhancing my self-discipline.  One of my favorites is to use the classic to do list and scratch the item off as completed.  Either way, I know there is some benefit to my life by engaging in this behavior.

Goals are powerful tools to move your life forward.  The key is to simply the process so that success is yours.  It is acceptable if you are one who cannot determine your "life calling".  Start the process described here and get moving in a direction.  The benefit of this approach is that you will uncover some things along the way.  As you move down the path of life, the ability to change direction will be yours.  Over time, by implementing this strategy, you will find you accomplish a great deal more than you ever imagined. 

So start today by pulling out a piece of paper and writing down 5 goals you want to accomplish.  I do not care how minor or major they are.  Even if it is nothing more than a list of 5 things you want to accomplish today, write them down.  And then, go do them.

Here's to your success.


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