Stretch Goals, SMART Goals Or Realistic Goals, Which One Is Your Best Approach?  #5MinMotivation

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The importance of goal setting is not a new concept.  There have been thousands of articles, books and studies on the subject.  In fact, at the time of this writing, if you enter goal setting on Amazon.com, you will have a choice between 99, 037 books to choose from.  There are articles on Stretch goals and SMART goals, challenging you to ask, “how high is high?”  Then there are theories about the importance of setting realistic goals so you can build momentum and not get discouraged.

 

Which strategy should you take?

 

According to a Harvard Study, less than 3% of people in the U.S have written goals.  92% of people in the top 2% of net worth in the U.S have written goals.  My challenge to you in today’s #5MinMotivation, is to start with STEP 1:  Determine your goals and write it down.

 

The MOST IMPORTANT aspect of goal setting is to know without a doubt in your mind what your priority goals are.  Your why should be so clear that it drives you to determine the actions necessary to accomplish them.  It should be so top of mind that it is one of your first thoughts when you open your eyes in the morning.

 

[tweetthis]“Everybody has their own Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.” – Seth Godin[/tweetthis]

 

Until you have the “Why”, the how becomes easier to achieve.  Start with determining your goals and then decide what type of goals you need to set.

 

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” – Jim Rohn

 

I believe the best goals are a mix of Stretch and Realistic goals.

 

Start with your Stretch Goals for the long-term.  How high is high?

Then focus on what that looks like in 90 days.  Determine the most important actions you need to take today and every day that will take you towards your 90 day goals.  These are the small wins that will help you gain momentum.

 

But, what is most important is that you….

 

START

 

That is the only step you need to focus on first.  Decide on what your Mount Everest looks like, then, figure out each step that will get you there.

 

This week, if you don’t already have your goals written down, commit to yourself today to take 5 minutes and put it on paper.

 

Our lives can get pretty hectic and it can be easy to get lost in our actions. When we are so focused on what is ahead, we forget to pause, reflect and find ways to energize our minds. These 5-minute motivation posts are meant to give you that recharge. The goal is to give you a 5-minute Vitamin for your mind through quotes, posts and videos. It is also meant to challenge your thinking and inspire you to take action.

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