Goal Setting: The Baby Step Approach

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to keep your New Year’s resolutions? After having set a number of lofty goals, the daunting task of following through with those initial commitments faces us all. We often end up frustrated and feeling guilty when we are unable to follow through on our good intentions and we fall short of our target. Many of us have even given up on the whole idea of setting well-intended goals, having come to realize that the time spent in frustration is not worth the effort. How would you like to begin transforming your life for the better this year with less effort and less frustration?

I have great news for you. Rather than set major resolutions for 2007, how about setting a few goals for this next week? Just as a baby experiences life in its entire splendor one step at a time, you too should consider using the “Baby Step” approach to setting your goals. I often recommend to my clients that they place themselves in the shoes of an infant just learning to walk. When making positive transformations in your life, imagine that you too must take short steps in the form of specific goals that you could realistically accomplish within a short period of time. If you are new to goal-setting, rather than set lofty goals that you may or may not realize in 2007, start first by taking that initial step of setting and accomplishing goals within a one or two-week period of time. Most individuals are able to stay focused on short-term goals if the chances of success are high.

Once you have experienced the joy and boost to your self esteem that successfully realizing your goals brings, take a moment to reward yourself and celebrate those successes. I have found that when my efforts are rewarded on a regular basis, I am willing to stay the course and not give up. Your rewards could be as simple as taking in a movie, dining out, soaking in the bathtub, or a day at the spa. The whole idea is to gradually change your mindset through a process of experiencing the small successes in life. The frequent rewards, coupled with the on-going benefits of those personal victories, are what is going to keep you motivated to continue realizing your goals. By creating the conditions that favor success, you establish a win-win relationship between your goal-setting and goal realization.

Your successful completion of any goal that you set for yourself depends on the level of desire you have for that particular objective. Before embarking on a year of positive transformations in your life, consider identifying those goals that are in line with your core desires in life, those things that you are passionate about and really turn your crank. In doing so, you set yourself up for success. It is much easier to stay the course when you are fired up about something than choosing something that you feel you should do, be or have. Your internal motivation that comes from pursuing your core desires almost always outlasts and outperforms those goals that are primarily being motivated by external factors.

If you truly desire change in your life look first at what passions you could transform for the better over the next two weeks. Experience the inner joy and satisfaction of achieving these “baby step” victories. They will spur you on to explore other goals in other areas of your life. If your desire is to embark on a journey to reach your full potential, then consider realizing goals in all aspects of your life. It is this balanced approach to goal-setting that moves you closer to being the person you would like to become.

To help you with this process, take some time to formulate answers to the following six questions:
1. What is my purpose in life?
2. Which core relationships do I need to foster more?
3. How could I add greater value to other’s lives?
4. What do I need to improve upon with my physical well-being?
5. How could I develop a more positive outlook on life?
6. What do I need to learn in order to either advance in my career or improve my financial situation?

Once you have identified those specific areas that you could begin transforming in your life, take a moment to write out your top five or six goals. Post them in a place where you will be regularly reminded of them, such as your fridge, mirror, or bulletin board. As well, I would suggest that you carry your initial list with you, either in your pocket, purse, wallet or day planner. In doing so, you are subtly reminded throughout the day about the benefits your true desires for positive change are providing you. These reminders enable you to focus with greater clarity on transforming your life one baby step at a time. By experiencing those small victories and successes in your life on a daily basis, you open yourself up to creating permanent, positive change in all key aspects of your life. Keep in mind that all it takes is one small step at a time.

Randall Stewart has been involved in success training and personal coaching for the past twenty-five years and is the author of “Success is a Four-Letter Word: Learn How to Bring More Abundance & Prosperity into Your Life”. He has taught in the corporate, university and public school sectors across Canada. To find out more about Randall’s self improvement courses or to subscribe to his free newsletter, go to http://www.SuccessorizeYourself.com. Please feel free to send this article to others.

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