Carlton Financial Group - Insurance, IRAs, College Planning and more

Forget Resolutions. Get Results.

This time every year, people make New Year's resolutions by setting goals to make the impending year their best year ever. Stop smoking, lose weight, finish school, get out of debt, and start a business are some of the most popular each year. In the past I have made lists that consisted of: 100 things to do before I die, how to increase my income, ways to spend more time with the ones I love, and trivial materialistic items to enhance my lifestyle. I always knew my goals were completely obtainable; however, my plan to achieve them was not. My personal experience and new-found realization of goal setting has made all the difference.

Simply, I had to be more specific with a broader view. All of my goals were intertwined with 365 day completion date and if you are like me, having an entire year to obtain a goal quickly becomes a crutch and inevitably, the downfall. So, how specific should you be? With 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in each week, 7 days in a week, 4 weeks in a month and 12 months in a year, how long should each goal take from inception to completion, and what is the process? I use a simple three-step process to help ensure accuracy and clarity with time frames, progress and outcomes to measure my growth.

1. Ask more specific questions!

• If I accomplish this goal, what will it mean to me? My family? My community? My business? My finances?

Everyone would like to make a six-figure+ income but what would that mean to you if you actually obtained it?

• What am I searching for? Accomplishment? Money? Health? Credibility? Love? Growth? 

If you accomplish your goal, what need are you going to fill?

• How will I feel when I achieve it? 

By backing up each goal with an emotion, you are more likely to obtain it. Focus on the feeling you will have once the goal is finally reached.

• Will this make a difference for me, my family or business in 10 years? 20 years? What about 50 or 100 years?

Long term visions are proven ways to help you fight through momentary pain incurred while working towards a goal. Chinese businessmen are known for having a 100 year plan while most America business owners rarely have a 5 year plan.

• Understand that anything worth achieving will get harder before it gets easier.

Expect set backs; they are a part of the process of achieving any goal that is worth achieving. If you understand that you will face set-backs, it will empower you to overcome them simply because you ultimately knew you would face them.

• Are the sacrifices worth the accomplishment?
  

Many people want to be a millionaires; however very few possess the discipline to accomplish such a goal. Are you prepared to dramatically change your eating habits in order to improve your health. Is obtaining a six or seven figure income worth the personal sacrifices that may be incurred?

I am aware that these may not be your questions; however, the end goal is to help you only focus on goals that are of the utmost importance. After asking the tough questions, your next step is to get everything down one one page of paper.

2. Rapid Planning Method

I have utilized a strategy for each time period created by Tony Robbins called The Rapid Planning Method (RPM) . The idea is to set the goal then state the actions required, result and purpose in order to give you a clear vision. Use the RPM for each time period you specify (if you have a 1, 5, and 10 year plan you would have three different RPMs).

To obtain your free copy of the RPM document, please comment below and I will be happy to email one to you.

3. Take Action & Measure Progress

Your last step is to take action as soon as possible (if not immediately). All goals and ideas are worthless until you take action. If your goal is to lose weight, start running, study nutrition and join a gym. If you want to create more personal wealth then study wealthy people, attend seminars and seek advice. 

The final step is to measure your progress. This will help to keep you motivated as you try to accomplish an overwhelming task list. If you are beginning to try and get out of debt, many people will recommend for you to attack your smallest debt first and pay it off as quickly as possible. The reason for this is the psychology of money and the sense of accomplishment you will feel by reducing your overall debt as soon as possible.

Enjoy the process and keep your eye on the goal.

To your prosperity, and happy New Year,

Kyle