Setting Goals for Success

Goal setting may seem like an abstract idea, but according to Mary Kay Ash, the founder of MaryKay Cosmetics, it is essential:

"People with goals succeed and those without goals fail.  It's as easy as that.  You must first choose your goals and then write them down.  Set a time limit.  Don't be a dreamer; be a doer.  Once you have set your goals, I suggest that you break your goals into workable parts.  To protect your goal, tell everybody what it is and what your deadline is." 


Aaron W. Smith, motivational speaker and author of "In the Black, live faithfully, prosper financially", provides the following guidance:  

• Ask God for support.  Progress can be divinely inspired through prayer and discernment.  Talk to God about your goals and ask for guidance. 

• Break down goals.  Once you've identified your goals, write down starting and continuing points.  Plan around your goals.

• Visualize what you want.  Cut out photographs that provide an array of beauty.  Find images of family, home, car, whatever fits within the context of your goals.  Paste pictures on a poster or attach with magnets to your refrigerator so that you can continue to visualize where you're heading.

• DREAM BIG

• Change your belief system.  Write affirmations that empower you in your pursuit of your goals.  Keep words positive and direct.  Repeat your affirmations aloud several times a day.

• Make success feel real.  Write a letter congratulating yourself for achieving your goal.  Mail it to yourself.  When you reach the goal, open it and the letter aloud.

• Party!  Host an inexpensive potluck or picnic to celebrate reaching your goal.

• Let music inspire you.  Listen to an inspirational song or belt it out during difficult times.  Record songs that boost your spirits.

• Practice gratitude.  Thank God for every success and every new day.  Study your plan regularly.

Goals can serve as crucial psychological triggers that will help spur you into action.  The past is the past.  You cannot turn back the clock, but you can start again.  Write down your plan, you have already increased your likelihood of following through.

This post was provided by Yvonne K. Viera,  MaryKay Cosmetics.