Goal Setting: Making time during the holiday madness season to review, reflect, and set new goals
Catch all the groundbreaking insights of Brian Buffini’s Mid-Year Bold Predictions 2024, now available on-demand. Has there ever been a more complex time in the real estate industry? Brian gives you the inside scoop on what’s taking place behind the numbers. Watch now.
Who wants to be a “goal getter” in 2017? I know that I do! Do you have a “gotta have it” goal, an impactful word for the year, or a strong persuader statement as Joe Niego has talked about? Are you ready to “call your shot” and go after it??? Let’s take a step back and start by remembering that a goal is not only a dream with a deadline but also a statement of faith that focuses your attention and sets your priorities. Sounds good, right? So why do we sometimes resist or get distracted from setting and reviewing our goals on a consistent basis? If having a goal causes you to do more things at a quicker rate then why in the heck aren’t we all “goal-addicts” so to speak??? Is it fear of failure? Is it a lack of belief? Overwhelm?
Yes, fear of failure is why a lot of people don’t even set goals in the first place despite learning logically that failure is only “feedback” and we must keep “failing forward” in order to achieve our next step in the goals journey. Indeed some of the reasons why are those things; however being too general or too vague and not having deadlines, milestones, or mini steps along the way may be even greater reasons why we’re not so “addicted” to goal setting. Therefore, one of the main keys is, as Ivan Misner states, “In order to be TERRIFIC you must be SPECIFIC!” We desperately need to get and be specific to crack the code and be a winner in the goal setting world. Two other common mistakes in regards to goals include setting them too low and trying to accomplish them too quickly. “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years” is a true, wise saying that Mr. Bill Gates has coined.
Sarah Ban Breathnach brilliantly said, “The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” Are you a dreamer or a doer? Are you ready to be both or will this just be another ho-hum going through the motions kind of year for you? Now (which stands for no other way) is the time to reawaken the dreams in your life and dream great dreams as nothing happens until you start dreaming again. Your imagination is what shapes your life and now is the time to unlock it! It’s been said that a great dream shapes a great person and is essential if you want to live your life courageously and by faith rather than constantly being driven by fears. Remember the saying talking about addition by subtraction? Maybe it’s time to subtract those limiting beliefs that you’ve been buying into and start thinking and acting with your faith attached in 2017.
Long-term goals will keep you going when you have short term setbacks. When you are living with intention and purpose you will be focused, fulfilled, and fruitful rather than experiencing frustration, fatigue, and failure when you’re out of alignment with your goals. It’s time to start doubting your doubts and believing your beliefs! Ask yourself, “What if”, “Why not”, and “Why not me”?
A few years ago at Mastermind was one of my all-time favorite goal setting sessions called “Dreamcasting-how to turn your dreams into reality”. Some of the questions included, “What does your dream life look like? What do you want to avoid? Where do you dream of travelling to? Where will you live? How do you intend to stay in shape physically, mentally, and emotionally? What is your passion in life and your big, hairy audacious goal? If you had 3 years to live what would you do? What would you do differently if you had 33 years to live? How do you want to make your lasting mark (your legacy)? Do you want to spend more time with family and friends (or not)? If you could do anything you want in the future, what would that be (hobbies, learning, volunteering, career, relaxing and enjoying life)?
Brian Buffini himself suggested the book “5: Where Will You Be Five Years from Today?” by Dan Zadra for The Peak Experience one year that has been ground breaking for many of our clients. I personally love how that great little book says, “Either you are living out someone else’s dream for you, or you are setting your own course. Don’t let other people tell you who you are. Form the habit of saying ‘yes’ to your own ideas. Then write down all the reasons why they will work. Surround yourself with people who believe you can.” My favorite question from that book was “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” Do you remember when???
Are you ready to play your way to success in setting winning goals for 2017 and beyond? It’s worth it to plan a “getaway day” somewhere nice during the holidays like so many successful goal getters have done in the past. This getaway day could include travelling to a beautiful place where you can clear your head and focus or from the comforts of your own home-wherever you can find some time and space. Bring your journal and any other inspiring books and be ready to brainstorm on how you can have your best year ever and make the rest of your life the best of your life. Call your shot and get after it!
Darrin