We’ve just gone from &quotthe Vacation Season&quot to the &quotGoal Setting Time.&quot Each year, about the time we flip our calendars to a New Yr, we hear a great deal about objective setting (even though it is sometimes disguised as information about generating your New Year’s Resolutions). While the research and polls show that most people do not set goals, most everybody thinks about it at this time of the year.

It is a humorous thing. Individuals will say, &quotYou really need goals.&quot But when you ask them what theirs are, they sheepishly reply, &quotI do not have them, but everybody really should.&quot

There are many reasons why people do not set goals. Some of the greatest reasons are:

? Individuals do not know how

? Individuals have set them in the past but did not reach them

? Individuals are frightened of failure

Of course setting goals is just an exercise that we know assists us achieve goals. So, whilst we all want to achieve goals, many of us do not even set them.

The Real Goal

Believe about it. Is objective setting really the objective? No. What we really want is objective achievement. Goal setting is a component of the recipe, so whilst we need to learn this ability, it is just component of your solution. The greatest missing ingredient in most people’s objective achievement recipe is faith, conviction, and lack of doubt. In other phrases, a deep seated, in the gut belief.

The fact is that most of us do not achieve our goals (nevertheless obviously or vaguely they are set) simply because we do not eventually think that we can reach the objective. That is why I think the initial step to successful objective achievement, irrespective of your procedure or the actions you adhere to in setting your goals, is to completely think that you can (will) achieve it.

Driving a Ferrari does not make you a race automobile driver. Having the greatest paints, canvas, brushes and easel does not mean you will paint masterpieces. And having the greatest objective setting procedure will not guarantee objective achievement either.

But belief will.

The Dimension of the Goal

Much is written about how big goals should be. They should always be big enough to stretch us ? how a lot we should stretch is dependent in big component on what we can think. If I have a total conviction that I am able of and will reach the bigger objective, then it is good. Because without belief, you will not hit the objective, irrespective of what it is.

David Schwartz wrote in The Magic of Thinking Big, &quotBelieve Big. The size of your success is established by the size of your belief. Believe little goals and anticipate little achievements. Believe big goals and win big success. Remember this, as well! Big suggestions and big ideas are often simpler — certainly no more difficult — than small suggestions and small ideas.&quot

It is a known fact that our beliefs turn out to be our actuality. Most of us take this as truth, but have not applied it to objective setting. Beliefs lead to steps which lead to outcomes. If you think, you will act in accordance. If you feel your belief wavering, act as if your belief was strong and your belief will turn out to be more powerful.

So rather than beginning with a objective setting procedure begin from a state of belief. Begin by thinking about things you want to achieve, and think you can and will achieve. Then write them down, and adhere to the procedure or format of your choice.

Start with belief ? be it for your personal, family, financial, professional or company goals ? and you will have taken the most important step towards achieving your goals.

Kevin is Chief Possible Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company that assists Customers reach their possible via a selection of coaching, consulting and speaking services. Kevin publishes Unleash Your Possible, a free weekly ezine created to provide suggestions, tools, techniques and inspiration to enhance your professional abilities. Go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/uypw/index.asp to learn more and subscribe.