Step 4: The Goal Conundrum – No More Excuses

In retrospect, I often wondered why I had set goals and not actually met them a year later. It wasn’t until I understood how to systematically approach my goals that I begin to win in life and business.

Learn to source the origination of your goals. It is likely that they came from a dream, creative imagination and an idea (i.e. Steps 1-3). A goal is defined as a projected computation or a system of plans that one intends to achieve. They often appear to be giant leaps when in reality they are small, consistent, daily steps that march toward an intended purpose.

Goal setting starts with specific, measurable attainable and time-targeted objectives. I have found one of the most effective ways to activate goals is to use a mind map.

Step 5: Mind Map Your Reality

A mind map helps you to get an idea out of your head and make it concrete.

It’s a simple diagram in which you can write down a central idea and brainstorm new and related ideas which all develop from your central idea. Mind mapping is helpful because it will help you to build an outline, solve problems and make your ideas tangible. There is no right or wrong way to mind map. A mind map can be developed to suit your personal style. To get started:

• On a clean sheet of paper jot down your main business idea on the center of the page and circle it.
• Draw several connecting links radiating from the center outward and start to think about ideas related to your new idea and write down associated keywords.
• Show association of keywords and images to specific ideas and continue to branch out.
• Assign numerical order and hierarchy to each idea that stems from the central idea.

Step 6: Goal Setting Using The Mind Map

Once your mind map is complete it can be used to develop a goals list. Your goals list should:

• Include specific statements targeted towards the central idea and associated ideas surrounding it.
• Be measurable. For example, instead of “I will attain new clients this upcoming year.” Instead, your goal should be measurable, “I will attend 4 networking events per month [1 per week] and make at least 5 business connections per event and follow-up within 24 hours.”
• Contain ideas on who can help you along the way. Some goals are not attainable by singular effort therefore, think of the type of people you need to enlist to help you meet a specific goal.
• Attribute time targets to each goal. Time targets should include a start and end date alongside short term [weekly and monthly] and long-term [annual] goals.

A mind map is filled with dreams, creativity and ideas … the stuff that goals and reality are built upon. Once you’ve created a mind map and used it to set smart goals you are ready to activate your plan. This doesn’t mean that obstacles won’t present themselves but when they do, repeat the process – start dreaming.

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