I recently signed up to receive tips from a rather famous person who said that the number one reason people aren't successful is because they don't complete their goals. This is a rather simplistic bit of advice and not all that helpful. After all, we don't set goals with the intention of not doing them. We set goals because we do want to achieve them. So simply telling someone to complete the goals they set is rubbish advice, in my humble opinion.

A much more interesting question would be to take a look at all the things you've said you wanted to do and ask yourself, “Why haven't I completed this goal?”  What has prevented you from reaching this goal?

Let's take a look at a popular goal this time of year – lose weight and get in shape. It all starts off great – you sign up fo the gym membership and get going on a diet, but come February most people stop going to the gym and their diet has fallen by the wayside. What  happened?

Well, this case is like most. You failed because you set the wrong goal in the first place. Very few people really love going to the gym and I haven't heard of a single person say they love dieting. So right off the bat we have a big problem. You don'treally want to do the thing you set out to do. And so you force yourself for a month or two and then you quit. Perfectly normal behavior. No one wants to carry on doing something they don't like doing so why should you be any different?

They key to being successful is to pick goals that you really want to do in the first place. In the case of losing weight, you want the end result – a healthy, fit and attractive body. Instead of a goal to lose weight, focus on the end result. How can I achieve that? There are loads of ways to do that that could be fun and enjoyable such as becoming a yoga teacher, taking dance lessons or kick-boxing class, joining a running, walking, or cycling group, learning to scuba dive.

The main reason people fail to complete their goals is that they've chosen the wrong goal. The second  reason is that they don't have a rock solid structure for support. The key to success is not discipline or willpower or inspiration. Those might get you started, but they won't be enough to sustain you. You need to set up a structure for support that will ensure your success, even when you don't feel like doing it anymore. If you do like going to the gym, then a structure for success might be setting up a regular work-out buddy or hiring a personal trainer. For nutrition, you may be amazed to discover you save money by hiring a professional service to prepare your meals for you.

Talane's Checklist for Success:

1. Pick the right goal. Is it aligned to one of your top four values? If>a goal is aligned to one of your core values, even if you never reach the end result, you will still have fun and enjoy the process. You won't be wasting your precious time on the wrong objective. At the very least, make sure it is enjoyable or fun. 
    
2. If a goal is over one year old, toss it. Don't waste time trying to resuscitate a dead goal. Pick a new goal that truly excites you instead. 
    
3. Set up a rock solid structure for support. This might be a buddy, a coach, an automatic system that kicks in when you don't feel up to it. If your goal is wealth, then set up an automatic savings account to start. 
    
4. Focus. Only pick one or two big goals for the year. A big goal takes six months to one year to accomplish. You can also have three projects going at any one time. A project takes less time. One of your three projects should always be supporting your big goal. The other two can be whatever you want, but don't tackle a fourth project until you complete one of the three. Most people spread themselves too thin and dilute their time, energy and resources. For example, if your big goal is to write a book, then a supporting project might be to do some research or to write one chapter. If your big goal is Health and Vitality, then a supporting project might be to hire a nutritionist or take a dance class. It is okay if all three of your projects support your big goal, in fact, it is great!

Wishing you a truly wonderful 2011!

Warmest,

Talane

P.S. One simple way to set up  a rock solid structure for support is to join the fun and supportive community atLifeCoach.com. All our members get a weekly life coaching assignment that will keep you focused on improving your life throughout the year. And, all LifeCoach.com members get to participate in weekly Life Coaching Call-Ins where you can ask me any questions you want. Can't make the calls? Get a free recording or ask your question in the online forums. Don't get stuck this year!

Special Introductory Offer: Get 7 Days of Coaching for $1.00. For more information click - How It Works . You have nothing to lose but a life you don't love!

 
P.P.S. Next week I'll discuss Core Values just in case you don't know what your own top four values are!