The Success Principles Series – Unleash the Power of Goal-Setting
The seventh topic in the book “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield is all about unleashing the power of goal-setting.
As each of the previous topics builds on the next, Jack Canfield explains once you know your life purpose, determine your vision, and clarify what your true needs and desires are, you have to convert them into specific, measurable goals and objectives and then act on them with the certainty that you will achieve them.
Experts on the science of success know the brain is a goal-seeking organism. Whatever goal you give your subconscious mind, it will work night and day to achieve.
He explains that to make sure a goal unleashes the power of your subconscious mind, it must meet two criteria:
- What
- By When
The goal must be stated in a way that you and anybody else could measure it. When there are no criteria for measurement, it is simply something you want, a wish, a preference, or a good idea.
He suggests that you write out your goals in detail. Writing them down makes them more real to your brain.
He also suggests that you write down some big goals that feel uncomfortable or choose what he calls a “breakthrough” goal. This is a goal that would represent a quantum leap for you in your career or life.
Once you’ve written down your goals, both large and small, he recommends that you read your list at least 3 times a day. Close your eyes and picture each goal as if it were already accomplished.
This increases what psychologists call “structural tension” in your brain. Your brain wants to close the gap between your current reality and the vision of your goal.
By constantly repeating and visualizing your goal as already achieved, you will be increasing this structural tension. This will increase your motivation, stimulate your creativity, and heighten your awareness of resources that can help you achieve the goal.
He also warns that as soon as you set a goal, three things are going to emerge that stop most people:
- Considerations/Distractions
- Fear
- Roadblocks
The truth is that these are completely normal. If they didn’t come up, you probably haven’t set a big enough goal. Just be prepared to address them and not let them derail achieving your goal.
He promises that if you are clear about where you are going (goals) and you take several steps in that direction every day, you eventually have to get there.
Source – “The Success Principles”