Although we Humans all have different view on what success is, It is still every individuals desire to be successful in life. The way to achieve success is through setting goals and then accomplishing them.
This past summer i was a part of the MS 150 charity cycling ride with friends. Due to the excitement a day before the race , i had to make exhaust more energy on the first day of the ride. The ride was a two day ride from Houston to Austin which was about 182 miles. After encountering the hills that i really didn’t train for I had to keep telling myself I could do it, that it was just a little bit longer and i am almost there, etc. When I crossed the finish line in Austin I was exhausted, but exhilarated by my accomplishment.
Each time we accomplishes a goal, whether it is finishing an assignment, completing a task at work, or making it through an event without any obstacles, we can feel that same sense of pride in accomplishing the goal set. The great Aristotle once said, “Man is a goal seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals.”
Sometimes all individuals may need some direction in how to set and achieve our goals. Here are a few step that can help achieve success:
1. Set the goal
Steve Garvey said, “You have to set goals that are almost out of reach. If you set a goal that is attainable without much work or thought, you are stuck with something below your true talent and potential.”
2. Develop a plan
Once you have a goal set, you need to break it into smaller pieces in order to achieve it.
” Antoine de Saint Exupery said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
3. Record your progress
Each small success should be recorded so that you can review your progress as you embark towards the final goal. A table or a list are an excellent way to create a visual reminder of the goal, the steps that are completed and the steps still to be taken to reach the goal. Saul Bellow said, “Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.”
4. Set a deadline
Most individuals are natural procrastinators (including myself). When you have a deadline to accomplish your goal you are less likely to postpone working on it. in my case it was for the Ms 150. Brian Tracy said, “Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines.” By writing down the goal and the end date you help the dream become a reality.
5. Reward achievement and provide incentive
Success in itself is often a great reward, but sometimes we humans need more motivation. Stickers on a chart are one form of reward. Words of encouragement or a treat for oneself can be a way further motivate oneself.
Having dreams is great, but it is even greater to achieve that dream. but in other to be able to accomplish the dreams, you must set goals and achieving them will make you successful and closer to your dreams.