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Are you reading this to take a twenty minute break from
the busy holiday rush? Or did you place this issue in
your “Good Intentions” reading pile simply because there
wasn’t enough time during the holiday? If I hadn’t
written this, I would have fallen into the latter group.
As we approach the holidays or reflect on how quickly
they passed us by, it is a great time to set our goals
for 2005. Webster’s Dictionary defines goals as “the
end toward which effort is directed”.
When I was getting
ready to move several years ago and sorting through my
personal files and magazines, I noticed something very
interesting. Several files contained sheets of paper
that outlined my goals for the past decade.
As I compared my goals for that ten-year span, I
realized several of the goals were never achieved and
were carried over from year to year. I knew that
writing the goal down was the first step toward
attainment.
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As I attempted to
determine why several of these goals were
never achieved, I knew it could relate to
several factors. Some might say I
didn’t visualize the outcome or wasn’t
focused enough.
As I took a closer look, I
kept referring to one of my favorite motivational
thoughts that cautioned that your personal ladder must
be leaning against the right wall to accomplish your
goals. This concept intrigued me. I pasted the quote to
my bathroom mirror. It forced me to reflect on whether
my daily activities were in alignment with my long-term
goals. Or, why was it that in some cases the constant
hustle and bustle of activity was not getting me any
closer to my goals but setting me further and further
from achieving them? |
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As you contemplate
your goals for the new year, pay attention to any
recurring signs that you should redirect your focus on a
particular goal. In 1995, I considered becoming a
professional speaker. I placed several inquiries to the
local chapter of the National Speakers Association, a
professional organization that supports individuals in
this endeavor. I found out that the upcoming meeting,
with the guest speaker from Washington, D.C., cost
$75. As I reviewed the information, I believed I
couldn’t afford to attend.
I placed all the paperwork
on a back burner in my goal file for future reference.
Almost five years later, the interest in speaking
professionally surfaced again. This time I didn’t
ignore the signs and as a birthday present to myself in
2000, I made an investment and commitment in time,
energy and financial resources to begin the journey
toward becoming a professional speaker.
I have
positioned my ladder firmly against the wall. I
realized I could no longer afford not to direct my time,
energy, and financial resources toward this goal. It
took three years to qualify for full membership. I have
attended three national conventions and have only missed
one local program event in 4-1/2 years. I also joined
an international organization that helped me improve my
communication and leadership skills.
What goals have you
set for 2005? Are there some recurring goals you want
to focus on in the coming year? Which wall is your
ladder leaning against now? Do you need to reposition it
slightly or significantly to achieve your goal? As you
set your goals, write them down and determine how you
will invest your time, energy and financial resources
toward keeping the ladder positioned firmly against the
right wall. Remember the investment is in YOU!
Good luck in setting
and achieving your goals in 2005!
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