23
Jan

What is Your “P” That Keeps You Focused?

What is Your “P” that keeps you focused?                     

It’s now three weeks into your “P”romise to yourself to make a change in 2012.  You may be doing ok with your goal to do whatever you have decided to change.  You may not.  So I thought I’d share with you these five “P’s” to help rejuvenate you into achieving your goals.

Passion — How bad do you want it?  Is that space driving you crazy enough to begin the process to get it organized , or, are you willing to be satisfied to live with it just the way that it is?  You’ve got to want the goal badly enough to see results.  Don’t get discouraged – recharge your passion to change. 

Persistence — Nothing happens until something happens!  And sometimes, it takes longer than expected so don’t give up.  Something will step in the way of your progress, get back on the horse and try again, and again if needed.  If you give up…nothing will change.

Planning — If the road to defeat is paved with good intentions, the road to success is smoothed with actual planning. Successful Goals begin with a well-thought out plan.

Each plan should include:

    • Ways to break the main goal into smaller, easier-to-accomplish parts
    • A realistic timetable
    • Strategies and resources (including mentors) you can utilize
    • A system for tracking your progress
    • Fallback positions for when you encounter potholes and detours

People — Your family, friends and coworkers can be your biggest supporters.  Whether they work with you hands-on, cheer you from the sidelines or offer good advice and support, they can drastically make a difference in your success to reach your Goals.  They can give you the boost that you need to stay motivated and get the job done. 

Positivity — Mental attitude can carry you forward even when circumstances aren’t breaking your way. If you have waited way too long to make this your goal, (no matter what it is),  it can easily seem like a burden, a responsibility, a sacrifice, even a punishment?  It can be, if you decide to think of it that way. But you can also picture your path as an adventure, an opportunity, a competition, and a growth experience. The task is the same regardless of how you view it. The outcome, however, is far more likely to be positive if you remain upbeat and optimistic at each step along the way.

Remember that you don’t have to do it all at once.  Sometimes we view a lack of substantial progress as failure.  This is not true at all.  Progress is progress  no matter how small.  Make sure that you give yourself credit for a job well done.  And, if a project takes longer than anticipated it doesn’t mean that you should give up.  Keep on task, take the next step to reach your goal and don’t let yourself down.   Taking charge of your Goals and keeping a positive attitude is the key to success.   

Some of this material was taken from Harry Che, Goals on Track, weekly Newsletter.