E13/S2 GOAL POLISHER - Helping others with their goals can help you to succeed

Andrew identifies the three main concerns that people have about goals are: 

• “Do I need to set my own goals at work? Can’t I just let my boss do it?
• “I know all about goal setting, but it never seems to work for me.”
• “What do I need to be sure I can reach my goals?”

His podcast today deals with each of these in turn The number one reason for goal setting hitting a brick wall is that many people don’t believe what they hear.  They’re sceptical and don’t think they can do much more than they are currently achieving. If those around you set poor goals or uninspiring them, it’s hardly surprising if you feel sceptical or unambitious about yours. There are many tools for making sure you have the best chance of reaching your goals are, says Andrew. He lists at least 12

• Write down your goal—drag your goal out of your imagination and into a written statement of intent. This forces your subconscious to accept the commitment to work towards your target. 
• Set a deadline—state when you’ll reach your goal; if necessary, break it into smaller steps with a deadline for each. Add these to your diary or planner. 
• Beef up your mindset--begin working on this long before you tackle your first goal; what might get in the way of completion? 
• Seek inspiration—talk to other motivated people; find inspiring reading and videos; work on your attitude daily. 
• Develop skills—your new goals may require learning a new skill or some form of personal growth; what new knowledge and other support will you need? 
• Take the first step—make it easy and fight any urge to delay; don’t wait for something out of your control to happen first; goals tend to die at the first hurdle of a first step; start now and adjust along the way. 
• Persist until completion—it’s unlikely that the path to your goal completion will be straight and simple; fight the natural urge to give up when you encounter the first or later obstacles. 
• Stay focused--always keep the result in sight and keep moving forward; treat each difficulty as an opportunity for learning and growth. 
• One a day--commit to doing at least one thing every day that moves you closer towards your goal.  
• Reward yourself—choose a reward for when you will complete your goal; make sure it’s worth having; this trains the subconscious mind to focus on activities that produce successful results. 
• Set your next goal—m

 

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version. Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch. BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book