The Price we Pay for Feeling Safe

Procrastination is a habit that stops people living the life of their dreams - it can be such a habit that it stops people even living a decent life! I spoke to someone today who would rather feel safe than change, because they perceived the pain of changing greater than the pain or disappointment of staying the same. They're in a job they don't like, but they would rather stay than risk the steps it would take to change this. The craziness is, they've been doing the same thing for five years! If nothing changes, nothing changes. Someone who procrastinates is trying to keep themselves safe from the disappointment of being let down, or safe from the fear of the responsibility that comes with change. Either way, they stay safe. People who procrastinate think that they will be happy if they stay safe. This simply isn't the case. The longer we stay still, the less happy we become. Almost as if the energy is just sucked out of us. To feel happy, we must be growing and contributing to our community (community includes family). If we don't grow or contribute, we wither. Yet, still some people hang onto staying still, as if by moving they will rock the boat too much and get wet. The ONLY way to feel good about ourselves is through action. No one got happy sitting and wishing things were better. Even if it's a little step each day, it's action. It counts. It stores credits in your self-esteem account, and you start to feel energised and positive about you. Little courageous steps towards a dream are empowering, uplifting and worthy of our praise. Too many people sit on the sidelines and critique the efforts of those who are having a go. If you see someone going for it, even if it's in little tiny steps, take your hat off to them - they are worthy of our praise. 

The Purpose of Life Isn't Clarity!

The purpose of life is not clarity. We are not here to "get it". We are not here to make sense of it all, or have little boxes in our minds about topics so we can feel safe because we understand. If you seek clarity, you don't seek all the other opportunities of what life has to offer. Clarity wants to avoid chaos, yet I know the greatest coaching moments can be experienced in moments of chaos, and where a client explores, perhaps for the first time, what it means to let go and let it go. Clarity is simply information gathering. It's another word for encyclopedia, unless we act as a result of our clarity. The world doesn't need more encyclopedias, it needs more people taking action, moving in the direction of their dreams and fighting for what they believe in. The world can always use more of that! 

NLP is growing in popularity

NLP - Neuro linguistic programming - is growing in popularity as more and more people come to realise its power and effectiveness as a personal development tool. Self-awareness, understanding and the ability to create rapid change becomes available with these skills. It takes a sense of humour, an ability to make connections, a willingness to challenge limits in people's experience to truly be a practitioner of NLP. It's not - psychology, a way of working out "why" someone does what they do, or a "one hat fits all" approach to change. It is - a structure for discovering how someone does something and how to change it if it doesn't get the results they want. It is - a way of thinking that increases the opportunity to improve our results. It is - a playful way to create change that counts. Defined as the study of subjective experience, it's one of the most advanced forms of coaching there is, along with giving its practitioners an amazing boost to their personal and professional growth. - 

Life Without Limits

Think about this. The very first think we start to do upon entering this world is learn. We learn that when we cry, we’re fed or changed. We learn to understand that certain noises or words correspond to consistent behaviours  We are understanding machines. But as we get older: we often start to develop patterns. We feel we have an operating knowledge. We know enough to get by. Many of us lose that insatiable quest for new knowledge and untold experiences.

They say knowledge is power. I believe it is a method for transforming the power of knowledge into energy. Energy into action, and action into untold abundance of health, wealth, happiness and love. It’s not just a way of thinking about life. It’s a way of living life. It’s a way of thriving at a higher level than you've ever achieved.

Life Without Limits. Do you unintentionally set limits for yourself? Are there some things you don’t even try because you know you just won’t be any good? Then think about the phrase Life Without Limits.

No limits. No money problems. Loving your job so much it’s not work. Rewarding friendships and passionate, committed relationships. Free time to do what you desire. Think what your life would be like if truly anything was possible.

A life without limits is something to strive for. But often we must first stop following old guidance we were given, directions we chose, habits we've developed and even many of those deep-seated beliefs we hold onto dearly.

What was the best advice you've ever received? Try to remember the advice exactly the way it was given to you. Recall the circumstances when you received the advice. Was it given to you by a friend? A parent? A teacher? A mentor? A stranger? Was it written in a book?

Is the advice you were given negative or positive? Does it comment on the potential and greatness of the human spirit, or does it caution against those who would take advantage? Was it given to you as a warning or an act of encouragement?

Now think hard. Why was the advice so good? You've just declared it to be the best advice you've ever received. Why? There may be an obvious answer: but what was the bigger reason? How has it served you? How has it made your life more fulfilling or truthful? 

Your Ideal Life

To create an extraordinary life we must be able to paint a picture of what it looks like.

Imagine if everyday was your best day. Wouldn't that be great? What’s the best day of your life like? Where would you be? Who is with you? What are you doing? Can feel the smile on your face, the joy in your heart?

It is an important first step to know what true happiness means to each of us. If you don't know what will make you happy, how can you ever expect it to happen? Please take a moment to think about your best day. But don't just think about it, see yourself there experience the happiness.

Exercise: Imagine your ultimate day. Write it in the box below. Describe not only what you’d do and where you'd be, but also what you'd be feeling during your best day ever. Hold on those feelings.

Where would you live?

What would your house look like?

Who is with you?

What is the conversation about?

What are you doing?

If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else.

- Laurence J. Peter

Affirmations in Daily Life

In everyday life, people can use affirmations to reprogram their minds into a more positive way of thinking.

Affirmations are statements that you can repeat silently or out loud to yourself, over and over, until the constant repetition become meaningless and you are aware only of the sound of the affirmation in your head. Although repeating statements in this way may seem pointless at first, try to persevere because they are powerful tools and can have some very positive effects on your mind and overall well-being.

Affirmation examples:

I am very confident

My body is beautiful

I am completely relaxed

Everyday in every way I am getting better and better

Please write your affirmation(s)

What is Possible?

What did you want to be when you were a child? The President of the United States? An astronaut? Quite literally, the sky was the limit, right? Well what happened? Who told you to “get real?” When did ‘paying the bills’ become more important than following your passion? Can you even remember that exact moment when you gave up on your dreams? The good news: its never too late.

Now that you know the ways of the world and the skills you have to offer: how much money do you think you could earn in a year? Under the best possible employment circumstances, what is the best you can do? Please write that figure down on the dotted line below.

_____________________________

By the end of this program, that figure will seem ridiculously low.

Limiting beliefs are usually the culprit that keeps us down. They limit what we will attempt, thus limit our possibilities. It’s your beliefs that are probably keeping you from the magic six-figure or seven figure income that you deserve. Limiting beliefs that you will soon learn to release.

If personal development was easy everyone would do it. At first, opening our minds to new beliefs can feel like a new day in the sun. All we see are the possibilities. But our old limiting beliefs will attempt to block out the light. They don’t just go away. We are pushed out of our comfort zone. We’re forced to change our behavior. We face setbacks. Doubt creeps in and then sometimes we just give up.

Something must have happened to you lately that derailed some sort of progress you were making. What was it that make you go off your diet? What kept you from getting the promotion? Really think about it, and write it down.

Now what did you write? What was your excuse? Be honest. Were there any possible ways you could have succeeded in spite of the hardships or troubles you encountered? Can you even think of one? You may have had to sacrifice something, but there was a way, wasn't there? Think about it. And write it down.

Be creative and make a choice. We are capable of more than we know.

Success is a choice. There are a zillion ways to make a million bucks. No kidding. Fun ways to make a million.

Exercise:

Take a few minutes right now to write out a paragraph or two describing the ideal you. Remember, no limits or restrictions whatsoever. This is your pie-in-the-sky-life. You can be who you want to be, do anything this world has to offer.

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power. - Alan Cohen

Some Simple Truths

To begin living a fulfilling life, we first have to understand some simple truths. When we commit ourselves to excellence, and we do whatever necessary to bring about the best in our lives, remarkable changes take place. You can change your reality, literally, by the hour. By the minute, By the moment.

Within your mind is all your knowledge. We’ll call it what you know. It is an immense amount of information. What you know is not simply book learning. It’s everything you’ve ever learned from tying bows on your shoe to balancing your checking account. It includes all your experiences, feelings, and observations—everything from the best steak house in town, to the fact that ladybugs are cute and harmless.

There’s also a whole lot of information that you know you don’t know. You are least aware that this information exists. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity or Bebe Ruth’s lifetime batting average, or the reason for the Pelopenisian Wars. An immense amount of information you have stored in the ‘what you know’ category, there’s much, much more in the ‘know you don’t know’ file.

Finally, there is the information that you don’t even know you don’t know. You’ve never even heard about it. The amount of information in this category is mind boggling. But most importantly, it’s within this body of knowledge that your ultimate success is located.

For most of us, life could be a bed of roses. If only we knew how and where to find the exact information required to live out our fondest dreams. And how to utilize that information once we did find it.

There is no magic pill. But that doesn’t mean there is no magic.

The knowledge we require is out there. And believe it or not, the knowledge required to find it is within us, right inside our heads.

For everyone it is different. For anyone who truly wants it, it is there. We are all on a journey, Your Personal Journal simply directs you to the path.

Remember, everything in the universe affects everything else. The universe is dynamic. Alive and very connected.

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances. - Bruce Barton

Be Conscious Of Your Consciousness

We are like magnets - like attract like. You become AND attract what you think

Law of attractions:

You get want you focus on. That sounds simple enough. But often, the more things seem simple, the more complex they are below the surface. And vice versa.

For instance, you are focused on someone with whom you’d like to have a relationship. They are seemingly the perfect person for you. Your feelings are deep. You want it badly. You are focused like a laser beam. You want that person. Since you focus is n strong desire, the result is that you get more of that. More desire, more longing.

If they don’t feel quite the same way about you, most likely that will be a major concern to you. Wondering if you are not good enough. Bemoaning the fact that your attention isn't being returned. Again, you are getting more of what your mind is focused on. More unreturned love. More feelings or inadequacy.

So how can you do it differently? Instead of focusing on your outgoing need and desire for the person, you instead concentrate on their incoming attention and respect toward you. That is really what you want anyway. Replay in your mind, how the object of your affection desires you and would benefit from a relationship with you. Your mind will behave in ways that are consistent with your new concentration. A likely result is that your attitude and behavior change. Instead of portraying a lovesick image, you instead portray desirability. Instead of focusing on your own overwhelming need, your mindset becomes mutual contentment. You become more intriguing  more confident, more of an equal partner, and thus more suitable. It is a different way of seeing things, a different way to think.

You get what you focus on, so be careful of the way you focus.

A simple thought doesn't travel far, but like a ray of light, a thought is most powerful when it is concentrated, centered and repeated. Think of a magnifying glass, and how, by focusing light into a small and powerful beam, and holding it still and true, you can create fire. It is the same with thought. Its power lies in the intensity, consistency and focus. The more the thought is repeated and formed, the more power and energy it generates.

We do far too little thinking and too much doing. Our conscious mind will always have something to keep us occupied. There are a million tasks to divert our attention. There’s another thing to do every time you turn around. But take a moment. Stop constantly reacting to the endless bombardment of events and demands, and face yourself. Look inside. The real power is within you. It’s not what you do, but how you think. To make progress toward the true desires you have inside, you must first engage the inner mind. Think and live as if you already are in possession of you goals. Live out your dreams inside first, and you will be astonished at how the daily events in your life will then support your progress.

Exercise: Journal Code: AFM

Set aside a time each day when you know you can think clearly. Put it on your calendar. Set a timer. Find the time. Utilize this time to set your inner priorities and focus on their attainment. Once you get the hang of it, you will only require 5 to 10 minutes. But it is essential time that is uninterrupted and dedicated to your personal growth.

Start by sitting comfortably. Close your eyes if need be. Take a breath and let out all the tension and thoughts that will be rushing to your mind. Begin by repeating short and supportive sentence, either silently or aloud. Whatever feels natural. Repeat it twenty times. Let it settle into your mind. Perhaps the following phrase will work for you. It’s been used throughout the years and was once immortalized in a John Lennon song.

Every day in every way, I'm getting better and better.

Say it with feeling. Understand each word completely as you repeat and ingrain them into your mind. In between the sentences, you may want to add a few specifics. ‘ I'm a better speaker. I’m a more loving father.’

Later on in Your Personal Journey we will add some additional mental exercises to perform during this time. But think of this as stretching. Begin now with setting aside the time for yourself. Time you own yourself. Time you deserve.

Living With Intent

Think of yourself as an author, sitting down to write a book. You require a subject for your book. A compelling character to anchor the story. What are you going to write about? Here’s the answer ---your own life. Your story is very compelling. But everything that you have experienced so far in your life is back-story. It can inform and shade your character, but it will not be in the book you, the author, are about to write. Your new story begins right now. Page one starts with today. Now what are you going to write about?

As an author you will begin by talking your character and plotting out a series of events. Remember it should be plausible. Your character can’t be a secretary one day and a rock star the next. There has to be progression and continuity. But a secretary could evolve into a rock star. Plot out the way it could happen. You are going to take your character from this point in time until his or her death. It takes some planning doesn't it? It takes active imagination. It takes intent. This is the way we should all be living our lives. With specific intent. With a happy ending in mind, so that when you turn the last page of the book, you break into a warm knowing smile, maybe dry a small tear of heartfelt emotion and know it was a life well lived. A life accomplishment. A legacy of purpose.

Exercise

For those bold and brave souls who want to begin writing that book, it is a perfect way to begin writing in your journal. For everyone else, a method to begin plotting your course in life is to list 101 things you want to experience before you die.

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________

…

101. _____________________________________________________

It is necessary to put the power of thought into active motion. So many of us have deep whisper in our minds, but show no effort or intent to turn our internal thought into reality.

This outlines the most common thought process most of us follow. Start with belief. We all have beliefs. We acquire them through experience, observation and conditioning. They are the baseline upon which we operate, and we are conditioned to protect our beliefs. They do not change easily.

Our beliefs drive our actions. For example we have learned that by stepping on the gas pedal, a car accelerates. We believe that to be true. So when we need to go somewhere, what do we do? We get in a car and step on the gas. That action leads to a result. The car moves. We have just reinforced our belief.

Our thoughts process has now come full circle and here’s where the transition occurs. Most often we allow our results to dictate or revise our beliefs. Then the circular thought process starts all over again.

The problem with allowing results to modify our beliefs is that results can vary. There are any number of factors that can result, and many of them we may not be able to control, or even know about.

If you had never been in a car before and all you know was that stepping on the gas made it go, then you might be in for disillusioning experience. You get in, close the door and press the pedal. It doesn’t go! Well you may not have turned the ignition yet, or the car may be out of gas, or in need of repair. Still, you don’t know anything about cars. All you know is it didn't work no matter how many times you touched the accelerator. You come away from the result of your action with a damaged belief. Heck, you may never drive again.

In many cases the results of our actions are not what we anticipate. Sometimes things just don’t work out. So, imagine starting the process all over again but with a damaged belief. Maybe you think it's your fault. Or that all cars are unreliable. Or the whole driving thing is way overrated. Low self-esteem, lack of confidence and just a bad attitude are all common side effects from damaged beliefs.

Instead of a circular thought process, it can lead to a downward spiral. You become emotionally involved with negativity. It’s a steep and slippery slope.

Next thing you know, you are living a life filled with negativity, let downs and unhappiness. We see people like this all the time---grumpy, bitter old folks who never have a good word to say.

Don’t let it happen to you. By simply creating a new starting point in our thought processes, we can ensure an upward spiral instead. How? It’s done by adding goals to the flow chart.

First set your goal, outrageous goals. Believe wholeheartedly in them and you’ll find it very easy to add emotion to the mix. Let’s face it, your goals are going to provide a fun and exciting life. Goals are only the stepping stones, but they give you a sense that anything is possible.

Now make the decision to act on your goals. Keep in mind that your goals matter. Results of your action should never affect the belief in your ability to achieve your stated goals.

Now here’s the key. Chances are with vigorous and directed action, you’ll reach your goals. But even if your results are not what you expected, the goals are still what are important. Once you've achieved one goal, you move to the next passionate goal. It can even be a revised version of the first goal. Remember, we won’t let results affect our belief in our ability to achieve, but we can learn from our results. We can make adjustments and tweaks in our actions that will help us move forward to the nest goal.

This is a pattern of intent that can serve you for life.

The Gap Between Knowing and Doing

There is a huge gap between knowledge and action. For example, we all learned about the basic food groups in grade school. We want told that it’s healthy to eat at least one serving of each group, every single day. But how many of us follow the advice?

Just because we know what to do, doesn't mean we'll do it. So how do we bridge that gap?

Success is spurred by a desire for positive results, and knowing what you must sacrifice in order to achieve your goal. You know, you can love ice cream and want to lose weight. But unless you’re ready to give up one, you won't get the other.

Here are some steps to greatly increase our chances of success in any endeavor.

Step 1 : Figure out your why.

By identifying our reason for wanting to make a change, we can make a more compelling case when it comes to actually changing our habits and behavior. And look below the surface for reasons. For instance, our ice cream lover from the last paragraph may ask himself “why do I want to lose weight?” His first answer is “ I'm too fat.” As he is poised to lick an ice cream cone, his mind may then respond, ‘yea will what else is new, one ice cream cone isn't going t to change that.’ And so he goes ahead and has the ice cream. You see, it’s not easy breaking habits.

To really figure out his way, he must look deeper. Why do you want to lose weight. “Well, I was always teased as a kid for being too heavy. When I look in the mirror I hate what I see. I can't lift my daughter onto my shoulders. I want to be around to see my grandchildren.” Ok, now we're getting somewhere. With those answer, the ice cream cone suddenly doesn't seem so important.

Step 2: Get out of your comfort zone.

We get in a rut and we stay there because it is easier to lay motionless than to pull ourselves up. Change is uncomfortable. But that discomfort is temporary. It will soon be replaced with energy and enthusiasm.

Take a good look around. Make an honest assessment of your current situation and pinpoint the areas in your life where you deserve better. Become uncomfortable with those deficiencies and vow to remove them from your life.

Step 3: Think of your excuses now and plan around them.

You will find 101 reasons why your new desired behavior can’t be sustained. They will be legitimate reasons, but they must be overcome. You can do that with proper planning anticipation and an ironclad bond that allows nothing to get in your way. For instance, our ice cream man will want to clear his well-stocked freezer of any tempting sweets. Having healthy snacks on hand will help to overcome cravings.

Step 4: See both sides of the coin.

One person’s adversity is another’s opportunity. Find the opportunity in any situation. Look for the ways the world is supporting your decision to change. List five ways that you be supported in your decision to change.

Step 5: Ready or not here I come.

Don't wait for everything to be ideal in your life before you decide to jump into changes. There is no such time. Make up your mind to change. Know your reasons, make a promise to yourself, set the date and the time for your new beginning and then start. Why wait until tomorrow? You are ready now. Don't get stuck in the “getting ready to get ready” trap.

Exercise

Go through the five steps above and write out your responses for each step.

Step 1 Figure out your why 

Step 2 Get out of your comfort zone.

Step 3 Think of your excuses now and plan around them.

Step 4 See both sides of the coin

Step 5 Ready or not here I come.

The worst thing you can do is to start and then quit, start and then quit. This destroys the pact you’ve made with yourself. The promises that must be honored first and foremost are the ones that you’ve made to yourself.

We must learn to say what we mean and mean what we say. Our word is our bond. Yet even those with impeccable integrity, those who honor their word to others unfailingly, will let it slip when it comes to a promise they make to themselves. Why honor and respect others and not yourself? Keep self-promises.

“When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out." 
---David Weatherford

Exercise: Journal Code: PRM

Once a week (you choose the day), you will make a promise to yourself in the morning and keep the promise during that day. This may seem simple to some and impossible to others.

You may want to start out relatively easy with a promise you know you can keep before progressing to more challenging vows. You will be creating a habit of honoring self-promised action. Pay particular attention to the way you feel when you have completed the promised action. It may seem silly at first, but make sure you give yourself plenty of credit for your accomplishment. In the evening, you will write in your journal about the promise, how you completed it, who it impacted, any obstacles thrown your way, and most importantly, how you feel when keeping your word to yourself.

Promises are the uniquely human way of ordering the future,

making it predictable and reliable to the extent that this is humanly possible.  ~Hannah Arendt

Focus

Focused energy is a powerful thing. A laser beam is a perfect example. We can all bask in the suns rays, but harness and then focus those same rays of light into a laser and you can burn through solid steel.

The energy we emit from our minds, if focused, can have similar effect and more widely felt impact.

Each of us is an integral part of the world, and we affect our surroundings just as much as we are affected by them. We see and experience the world, not as it is, but as we are. Think about that.

Fill in the blank to the following questions honestly and accurately, as they relate to your daily experience.

Each day is another

People I meet are basically

Honesty is the best policy, yes or no?

I am _______ By human nature.

There are no wrong answer to these questions. The person who said they’re appalled by human nature, no doubt has just as many reasons to support their contention as does someone who is constantly empowered by human nature. Even though the answers are contradictions, they will both be true. What you believe becomes what is right for you.

You see, reality is more complicated than it may seem. We assume that we are objective, and only reporting back our unbiased experiences, but that’s not the case.

We literally create our own reality.

Exercise

A one month media fast.

If we are in the process of creating a better reality for ourselves, then this exercise can help us shut out distractions and focus only on the desired reality. The life we deserve. There is good and bad in the media. Radio, TV news, TV programs, movies, newspapers, magazines, the internet –they have made the world smaller and inspired millions with stories of tragedy and triumph. They can also be the epitome of crass commercialism and unrelenting sensationalism. Bottom Line: the constant bombardment can be a distraction.

In addition, it is surprising to see how much more exciting our lives get by eliminating source of artificial excitement. We actually turn to ourselves for entertainment. We can explore new horizons. We notice more time on our hands. We can go out dancing or hiking, catch up with old friends, study Beyond Freedom or take up gardening. Suddenly we begin doing. We develop new interests and expertise.

Alter one month, you may even decide to continue. You’ll be impressed with the way your reliance on media outlets has disappeared.

Document your observations in your journal. Notice the changes in your energy levels, the clarity in your thinking, and an increased ability to focus.

Having soon discovered to be great,

I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society,

and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting

You cannot dream yourself into a character;

you must hammer and forge yourself one.
-Henry David Thoreau

Goals

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

-Aristotle

If you like your life and want to tweak it a little, goal setting is essential. If your life is due for sweeping changes, then goals setting is essential.

Goals are the foundation of personal growth. They represent the journey and the destination. In soccer or hockey you get it into the net and it is a goal. It is both the process of playing the game and the object to winning the game.

Without goals you can live a nice life. But good luck. Better hope the wind of fate just happen to blow you toward a sheltered port in the inevitable storm. Still, you have to ask yourself , why bob on the water aimlessly when you can trim the sails and set a course that’s direct and true.

I’m always amazed at the number people I meet who tell me they have never had a goal in their life. Never once set a goal. I get excited about introducing them to the concept, because I know that with goal, they can make huge strides in their lives.

With goals, every sunrise can mark a new beginning. The only question is when to start? Well, you already have started. Earlier you jotted down a couple of paragraphs detailing your ideal life. Why not create goals that get you there? So now let’s devise a series of steps that will help take you to your ideal life. Each step is a goal.

Let’s pause for a second. You may be one of those folks whose eyes glaze over about now. Self-help books are always hyping goals aren’t they? You may not like the added structure in your life. Too much pressure. You want to live free and easy.

All we can say is please stay with us. We’re not going to hold your feet to the fire by forcing you commit to an enormous goal you’ll never reach. It’s a process. We take it one step at a time. Remember, you are setting you own goals. This is a game you can win.

Let’s start by getting your feet wet with a small goal. It’s stunning how easy and satisfying it can be. The following goal is one that’s beneficial even if you’ve been a goal setter your entire life.

Exercise:

Your goal today is to call, talk or write to any one person who has recently, or ever assisted you in any way. Your goal is to let them know how much you appreciate their help, advice, compliment, present, or dead. Your time frame is by the end of the day today.

Take out a piece of paper or your Your Personal Journey notes and write your goals. I am calling “so and so” to express my appreciation by the end of today. When you’ve accomplished your goal, please feel free to put a bug check mark across the goal. You’ve done it. Mission Accomplished. Notice how empowered you feel. Notice the touching reaction you probably got from the person you contacted? Win win.

How does an ant eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How does a person totally transform their life? By achieving one small goal after another. You have now taken a step toward success. With every goal achieved you gain that much more power and momentum. The key is to keep stretching further with each new goal.

Choose a goal wisely. It should be a part of an overall plan. It should reflect your heartfelt passion and your vision for the future. If you’re not sure what you want out of life, then it’s time to take inventory.

Lets talk about the proper way to set goals.

1. Short Term Goals of the day, one week or one month, should be pretty straightforward. It should be probable that they can be achieved within the time-frame you set.
2. Medium Term Goals, anywhere from ninety days to six months, require a little stretching. Approach the upper limits of your zone, bordering on your failure zone.
3. Long Term Goal of a year or more are set to challenge your current belief system. These goals should scare you. You’ll have no idea how to accomplish the goal.

When a young bird is pushed from the nest for the first time, it has no idea how to fly. But with the ground rushing up, the bird starts furiously flapping it’s wings and a little miracle happens. Once you get off the ground and attain a long-term goal. Immediately set another long-term goal. Your new view of the horizon will look a whole lot different.

4. Goals are measurable and specific. They must have completion date. If your goal is to buy a new car for instance, your goal would include the make and model, options, even the color inside and out. Test drive the car and perhaps even snap a picture of yourself behind the wheel. Know exactly what it will cost and tell the sales person the date you will be back to take possession.
5. Write goals in the present tense as if it is actually happening at the time of your writing. For example, here is a five-year goal for a 28 year-old single man: I am moving into a modern, three bedroom home I just purchase with my gorgeous, loving wife. The big yard is a great place for our two young children to play.
6. Work toward your goal until the last minute of the last hour of your deadline. This is of utmost importance. It is not uncommon for a series of goals enabling events to fall into place at the very last possible minute. Even if it appears all hope is lost, never give up.
7. Time has run out. Once in awhile it happens. You didn’t accomplish your goal. A little disappointment is natural, but always remember, striving for a goal is every bit as important as it ultimate achievement. Review your steps. Determine what could have been done differently to assist in setting your next goal. Don’t be discouraged. Acknowledge the progress and congratulate yourself for the effort you put forth. You can’t win them all.
8. Don’t force it. It is mistake to “try too hard.’ Relax , concentrate and focus on the process of achieving your goal. Be aware of the desired result but do not obsess on the outcome. Perform the necessary steps with confidence and faith in your pursuit of the goal. Literally see the goal achieved as if it was destined. But remove yourself slightly from the end result. Excessive emotional attachment to results can actually undercut progress toward achievement.

Exercise: Journal Code: GOL

Set your term, medium term and long term goals. Write them out on your Your Personal Journey goal cards. Keep them with you. Write about them in your journal. Refer to them at least once every morning and before bedtime.

Think Big. By setting a goal with a grand purpose, or an inspired or lofty achievement, your mind is forced to race beyond it normal boundaries.