Defining Goals and Objectives for Self Development.

A lot has been written about self development, usually by someone who needs to improve themselves. It seems to be a hot topic of sorts that many people seem to be troubled by.

Why is it that we have such difficulty loving ourselves just the way we are? Have our desires grown beyond our potential? Do we place too much emphasis against failure? Do we just suck? I think all we need is a little guidance on how to achieve our better self by focusing on our goals and objectives.

Finding your true needs can be quite a challenge if you don't know where to look. Preconceived notions, excuses, and fear can deceive you into looking the wrong direction. Taking from multiple sources I have compiled a short list of tasks that can help you on your way.

What Do You Think You Want?

Let's begin by looking at what we think that we want. Looking beneath what we think we desire can help us find the root of what we truly need. For example, I want a house. A big house. With a big yard, and a privacy fence that I can keep my two Labrador Retrievers in.

What is it about the house that makes us think we need it so bad? Maybe we are in need of a little security. Possibly we feel the need to settle down, instead of bouncing around all of the time. Perhaps we really just want a house. But if we don't stop to examine it, we'll never know.

Why?

Before you make any goals based upon what you think you want, figure out why you want it so bad. This is very similar to the above topic and will take some deep thought to differentiate the two. But knowing why you really want something will help you stay motivated to continue on your path.

Specify

We think we know what we want, we broke it down to its basic element so we could connect with it directly, and now know why it is so important to us. Now we can finally specify exactly what it is that we want. When you specify your desire, state it as if it has happened already. Your inner-self wants you to achieve your goals and objectives. Don't confuse it by telling it that you want something, it will give you exactly that – you will want something. Say instead, “I am secure in my relationships with others.” “I am a millionaire by age 27.” “ He thinks I am a great salesman.”

Write It Down!

I read somewhere once that goals that aren't written down are just wishes, or dreams, or something like that. Whatever you call them, they are not goals until you write them down. Why? Because now they are cemented. Writing them down is the first action step towards goal completion. Don't stop there, tell everyone of your big goal so they can hold you accountable for them. Make it hard to fail!

Many people make goals yet nowhere near as many accomplish them. Most of the time it is because the goals did not match their values, or really fit what they truly needed or wanted. Use these tips to help form your goals and remember that nothing happens without action. Don't let fear get in your way to stop you either.

“Fear melts when you take action towards a goal you really want.” - Robert G Allen

For further information, check out a series about goal setting on this website