Earlier today William wrote:
What is the best way to write a goal?
I’ve thought of things such as:
* Specifying the date by which the goal will already have been achieved (By January 1 2022, I will have achieved..)
* Writing as if the goal has already been achieved (I am grateful that..)
* Writing what you will sacrifice in return for the goal (This will be achieved as a result of..)
Accompanying the written goal, will be an image of the end result (the picture of the goal) which helps exercise the subconscious mind or creative mechanism.
I’ve seen many different versions of goal-setting but I’m not sure what is the most effective way to format it. (written goals)
I know ”how” the goal will be accomplished is not important. But I want to write it in a way that really makes an impression on the subconscious. (for instance adding an end date automatically makes it more likely to be achieved, or increasing the specificity of the goal makes it easier for the creative mechanism to work towards it)
My Response:
William,
None of the ideas mentioned above in regard to goal setting are in Psycho-Cybernetics, other than the use of “I will,” which is valid. Same goes for “I am going to,” which is our natural mechanism at play.
The “I am grateful,” affirmations are balderdash, i.e. nonsense. You express gratitude when the feeling is real, not as a manipulation such as the salesperson who says, “Thanking you in advance,” to pressure you into buying.
The trouble with goal setting is the emphasis people put on setting them, not upon getting them.
Before jumping into long-range goals where a projected date for accomplishment can be helpful, it is best to begin proving to yourself that you can come up with a goal for TODAY and accomplish it. Once you’ve done this, turn this daily goal-achievement into a habit and a process. If you achieve one goal per day for the next year, you’ll have 365 accomplishments, and you’ll probably be way ahead of where you’d be if your focus was only on long-range goals.
Most long-term goal setting is an incredible waste of time. Most people who set long-term goals never achieve them. Many don’t achieve ANY of them.
This is not YOUR fault. It’s the fault of those promoting goal-setting methods that are unworkable and impractical for the majority of people who have used them.
It’s the daily goals you achieve that add up and make a huge difference. Take care of today and tomorrow will be a lot easier on you.
Matt Furey
