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Goal-Getting: How to Stay the Course

By Colleen Langenfeld
Reprinted: 2003-10-30

Do you set goals for yourself but have difficulty following through?

Do you find keeping yourself motivated and focused just plain wears you out?

If your goal-setting dissolves before the goal-getting, then you need to re-evaluate. Fast!

Maybe the problem is one of endurance.

Just as a runner must train before a marathon, so a goal-setter must practice diligently to become a goal-getter.

In addition, just as with physical fitness, focus and endurance are built up over time and effort. Not overnight. Certainly not a one-shot deal.

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." Zig Ziglar

And that's the key. Continuously exposing your brain to excellence. It's using simple tools like:

- listening to a motivational audio tape while driving instead of listening to the local radio station.

- putting an inspirational quotes screen saver on your computer.

- choosing to read a chapter a night of something powerful and uplifting.

- monitoring your thoughts closely, especially when you're feeling down or discouraged and discovering (then changing) any negative self-talk you find.

- working with a friend to gently hold each other accountable and to benefit from mutual support.

- giving yourself the time to get results. Check your progress after 30, 60 and 90 days.

- incorporating quiet, creative time into your schedule. Time to pray, be alone, let the pressures of your life slip away for a bit.

- instructing a teenager on the importance of goal achievement. What you teach you internalize.

- breaking your goal into small (even tiny) pieces. Reward yourself furiously for any and all accomplishments.

- getting the right perspective. You wouldn't chastise a toddler learning to walk (and fall). Give yourself the same opportunity to grow.

- finding like-minded goal-getting people and rubbing shoulders with them as often as possible.

Reach for excellence, not perfectionism. See who you want to become and work back from there. Give yourself lots of pats on the back. This investment will pay off big.

Because, truthfully, it's all about you!


Colleen Langenfeld delivers deals, tips and creative resources to working moms who want the most out of their homes, families and careers at http://www.paintedgold.com . Sign up for our fr*ee newsletter and get an online Creativity Toolkit as our gift to you!

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