The topic of goal mastery has been trending for the better part of the century.
While many people may have their unique approach to achieving goals, I have found that the easiest way is to first figure out what you truly want.
To assist with this process I have outlined 3 questions I consider when analyzing possible goals.
Question 1: What Do I Really Want?
This might seem a bit cliché, but one the main things anyone can do towards achieving a goal is to figure out if they actually want it, in the first place.
While this may sound a bit too obvious, the fact of the matter is that most people only have a vague idea of what they actually want.
In some instances, these goals are actually imposed on us through association and other societal conditioning. In these cases, it is common for us to lack the drive to follow through with a goal.
That being said, it is important to take some time to really think about any potential goal.
- Is this what you want or are you doing this to please others?
- Does this goal align with your core values?
- How will achieving this goal benefit you in the long term?
If you decide that you do have a burning desire to achieve this goal, then write it down a clear statement of your intention.
Question 2: Am I willing To Pay The Price?
At times, some who believe they know what they want, are clueless as to what it takes to achieve their desired outcome.
After writing your goal down, you are forced to come to terms with the magnitude of the task before you. At this point, some may throw in the towel, while others will plough ahead.
Unfortunately, without considering where you are at the moment, in terms of resources and abilities, the road to success can be a even more daunting one.
Harsh as it may be, the reality is that we are not all created equally. Some people are privileged to inherent advantages; genetics, family, country, etc. As a result, they may carry those advantages across to certain activities.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to achieve a goal for which you have limited abilities or resources. It means that you have to be willing to work twice or even three times as hard.
By focusing on a goal, outside your strengths, it is possible that you may end up average, at best.
With this in mind, if you still aim to pay the price to pursue that goal, then more power to you.
Question 3: What Is The Path Of Least Resistance?
By nature, human beings are lazy. In our everyday lives we often seek ways to avoid unnecessary use of energy time or mental power.
Yes, it is true that we have accomplished monumental feats. However, in taking a closer look, most of these achievements are geared towards making life easier, in the long term.
However, if these goal require too much effort upfront, without a guarantee of success, we are more than likely to get discouraged and in some cases give up.
Thankfully, there is a simple trick to beat this; simplify.
Break the goal into much smaller, more manageable tasks, which takes less effort to complete.
From an psychological standpoint, the completion of each task acts as a form of motivation, pushing you forward. As you gain momentum, the resistance won’t seem like much of an issue, since you have evidence of consistent successes in the past.
However, in order to do this, you need to put in the effort to learn about your goal inside and out.
Final thoughts
With so many people talking about goal mastery, success and the like, it is often very easy to get swept up by the flood of ideals.
However, it is important that you think things through, to ensure that the goals you are working towards, actually resonate with you; especially since in some cases you will have to be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them.
Ultimately, you are the one who has to live with the rewards or consequences, so take the time to choose wisely.