Stephen Covey, “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People”, says that every highly successful person has written down their personal (as well as professional) goals. This article introduces you to some powerful tips and techniques to help you not just set your goals but significantly up the chances of achieving them, so you can achieve the success you want!

1. On a sheet of paper, note down what you’d like to achieve by, say, the end of the year. Just the sheer act of writing something down seems to make it much more likely it will happen.
2. Now look at your list and work out realistically what you will achieve in the timescale. Make it challenging but possible. And add a date when you will have achieved each goal.
3. Then really up the chances of you achieving your goals by following the ‘4 P’s approach’: powerful, personal, positive, present-tense. For instance, if you decide you want to get fitter and you want to finish the long report you’ve been writing, your goals might read like this:
   • I feel fit enough to run all the way from my house to the bus-stop and still have breath to talk to the bus-driver - 30 June
   • My report is complete, typed up and submitted to the board - 22 May

   Each goal is now clear, and you’ll know when you have achieved it.

4. In addition to writing something down, the power of intent can make it far more likely something will be achieved - in other words, you imagine very clearly how things will be if you achieve your goal. For each goal, imagine how you will feel, how things will have changed, what that will be like for you. Use those positive feelings to help motivate you to take the necessary action.
5. Now brainstorm all the small steps you could take to get you to your goal. Include any silly ideas (sometimes they are the best ones!) and check you’ve thought of everything. Include other people’s ideas if you like.
6. Decide which steps you will take to achieve your goal, and put a realistic timescale or deadline on each.
7. Finally decide which step you will take today - and do it!! Keep regularly reviewing your goals and your progress and you really can achieve what you set out to achieve.

Bonus Tip: If any task you have to undertake feels really hard, don’t procrastinate - get it done. The sooner it’s out of the way the better. Then reward yourself for having achieved it - a walk in the fresh air, meal out with friends, cup of coffee and a good book, or whatever.

Elizabeth Juffs is an experienced Life Coach, specialising in working with people who are successful in some aspects of their lives, yet want to make positive changes to their confidence, career or work-life balance. She helps them build their self-confidence, reduce their stress, and gain greater control over their work and their lives, so they feel fulfilled, healthy and happy.

For further help in achieving your goals and gaining greater control over your life, sign up for Elizabeth’s self-paced online course

How to Find More Time For Work and Play.

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© Copyright Elizabeth Juffs 2007. You are welcome to use or pass on this article, provided it is used in its entirety, without amendment, and all links are retained and kept active.