Fitzhugh Dodson once said, “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.”
All of us have one thing in common; we are in a constant struggle. We all want something in life and strive to achieve it –goals, objectives, aspirations. Whether it is getting a deal signed or getting in shape for the summer, our objectives on a daily, weekly or lifetime basis define who we are and what the future holds for us.
Reagan Myers is the CEO at ARMI Inc. and an award-winning entrepreneur. According to Myers, goals are fundamental to achieving success. Tony Robbins, one of the best motivational speakers seconds this by saying, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”[2]
However, some of us seem to be more focused and get to reach their goals faster while for others, life usually gets in the way and it seems to take a while before things start falling into place.
So, what is it that these achievers do differently? We all get the same numbers of hours in a day, yet they seem to move through with a supersonic speed finding their answers while others are just beginning to plan.
Let’s dig deeper with tips and insights from achievers including CEOs, co-founders and authors.
Have a positive attitude
It all starts from within. Our mindset and attitude are key driving factors behind our outlook to the world. The first step to lose the battle is to doubt your potential and lose hope.
According to Earl Nightingale, an American author, “Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.” If you reflect positive in yourself, positive is what will come back to you. [1]
Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz once said, “You have to have a 100% belief in your core reason for being.”
Write it down
We all come across dozens of ideas and some of them turn into our goals and aspirations. A good start would be to make a written note of your ideas as they come. An idea personified in writing helps you stay focused. Even if a certain idea does not get implemented right away, you can go back to it at a later time. The purpose is to grasp it before it vanishes into thin air.
Myers encourages writing down goals and keeping them in sight.[2]
Justin Dry, the co-founder of Vinomofo also loves strategizing visually. He writes his ideas on a blackboard at work or a large piece of paper at home. This helps him work on his goal like putting pieces of a puzzle together.[3]
Ask, ask, and ask some more
We all need information and insight at every point in our journey. It is important to openly address your weak points and try to find solutions. Shying away from questions in fear of seeming incompetent or ignorant will drive you to become just that.
According to Angus Davis, the CEO of Swipely, you cannot get anywhere alone. Plus, no one can help you unless you let them know what you need. He encourages people to talk about your dreams and aspirations, asking for help and seeking advice and assistance. [4]
Set Short Term and Long Term Goals
It is important to set short and long term goals. You need to map out what exactly you want and where you want to reach through long term goals and you need to figure out how you will get there through short term goals.
Mick Spencer is the founder and CEO of ONTHEGO. According to Spencer, CEOs need to think of the bigger picture and focus ahead. This can be achieved by setting goals – short-term, medium-term and long-term. He further recommends using the start of the year to establish your objectives due to lesser distractions. Plus, there is more opportunity reflect on key business goals.[3]
Revisit Your Long-Term Plans
Once you set your long-term aspirations, stay flexible and open to change. The factors that help you achieve your goals today may change over time. It is important to keep an open eye and an open mind to be able to identify the need for revisiting your strategy.
Karen Lawson, CEO of Slingshot elaborates on this fact. She says the expectations of consumers and customers are growing at a fast pace. In order to maintain an edge, organisations and CEOs need to steer the ship, accordingly. This can be done by continuously revisiting your strategies and goals.[3]
Welcome negative feedback
Everyone loves a good pat on the back, acknowledgement of and appreciation for what we achieve. However, what some people miss out on is their ability to handle negative feedback.
Look for problems in your product, service and work patterns. By constantly digging out the loopholes, you have better chances of improvements and gaining excellence.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Motors is of the opinion that by seeking out criticism, you can gain valuable insight on what needs to be improved.[5]
Your turn. You have any tips on achieving aspirations? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
References:
- https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/health/article/10-ways-to-achieve-your-life-goals/
- http://www.armiinc.com/armi-inc-ceo-shares-his-top-tips-for-achieving-success/
- https://www.businessinsider.com.au/how-ceos-set-goals-2018-1#El1XzIaSikQewX5L.99
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-top-ceos-share-inspiring-advice-on-how-to-be-your-best-self
- https://www.goalcast.com/2018/02/12/surprising-tips-for-success-from-top-ceos/