Goal Getting, Not Just Goal Setting Pt. 2: How to Achieve Your Goal

Are you prepared for your ship to come in? Your big “win”? Your grandest success?
I hope so, because I’m going to tell you exactly how to achieve what you set your mind to!
Last month, I talked about how to define your goal with laser precision [//pajoof.com/goal-getting-not-just-goal-setting-how-to-define-your-goal/]. Knowing what you want is a fundamental first step because, aside from pointing you in the right direction, it makes your goal that much more real to you. If you want to achieve something big, you need to be more than familiar with it; you have to taste it.
Now that you’ve completed Step 1 and spent quality time deciding what you want through journaling, pictures, sketches, or whatever method works best for you, it’s time to get down to business. (Did you skip Step 1? That’s okay, you have time to do it now. We’ll wait.)
Are you ready to move forward with your dreams? Here’s how:
Step 2: Determine What Kind Of Goal You Have
“Acquire” Goals
Acquire goals are those whose purpose is to get you something tangible. Everybody creates goals like these at some point, whether it’s purchasing your favorite author’s new book the day it’s released or buying your first home. With small goals like getting a new book, you won’t usually have to follow all of these steps to achieve it. You can just walk down to the bookstore and you’re good to go. But with big or challenging purchases — especially ones that can change your life, like a home, car, or education — goal-getting techniques will help you immeasurably.
“Achieve” Goals
Achieve goals are changes we make within ourselves. They don’t concern anything you can touch; rather, they have to do with willpower, strength, and force of spirit. Whether it’s graduating school, getting fit, or starting your own business, this type of goal has everything to do with who you are deep inside, not what you possess. In a certain way, these types of goals are harder to accomplish than Acquire goals, but they can also be more rewarding.
Step 3: Make the Plan That Will Get You Your Goal
Is it really as easy as making a plan? Yes!
Now that you have your goal defined and you know what type of goal yours is, you can create your master plan for success. Don’t worry. It’s easy — and maybe even a little fun.
Once you answer the following questions, you’ll have your plan:
1. What do you need in order to turn your dream into reality? Is it money (for Acquire goals) or something else (for Achieve goals)?
2. What resources do you have today that you can start using to get closer to your goal?
3. Can you break your plan down into small, easy-to-accomplish pieces? What can you do on a daily basis to further your progress?
4. How are you going to hold yourself accountable for your progress? Do you have a friend or family member who can check in with you about it?
5. If your goal is mental or spiritual, how will you be 100% certain you’ve achieved it?
Once you have your answers written down in the form of a plan, there’s one final step:
Take action.
Your plan is the vehicle for your goals, but you are the driver. You owe it to yourself to put lots of energy into the goal-getting strategy you’ve created.
So start today — make that phone call, calendar those appointments, schedule a regular savings payment, or purchase those supplies. You can do it, and there’s no better time to start than right this second.