Yes, the realistic part of it is important, too, especially on the short-term goals. If you try to take over the world by the end of the week, you’ll have a hard time convincing yourself that you can pull it off.

As far as long-term goals, they should also be realistic, but at the same time, they should stretch us to both believe in and accomplish things beyond what we have believed and accomplished in the past.

I had also gotten out of the habit of writing in my Gratitude Journal, but I got a new notebook for Christmas and I am happily journaling away, and also practicing gratitude thoughts every morning and every night. It’s a wonderful thing!

Many people use the New Year as a good point for changing their habits in order to effect positive changes in their lives, and writing down your goals is simply one of the most powerful daily activities that someone can take part in.

It is easy to lose our focus and motivation when we don’t give ourselves frequent, written reminders of what we are trying to accomplish. Also, as this post indicates, doing so also enlists the aid of our subconscious as well as the people in our circle of influence as well.

I think that is one of the reasons why this simple, effective method is so often overlooked. Until the universe starts to throw things your way that will help you to get to your goal, it can be difficult to see the value in that daily ritual of writing things down.

For me, I do a fresh list every morning, and crossing off things that are 100% complete for the day brings me great satisfaction, and then I have a Gratitude Journal that I keep as well.

Allowing ourselves to recognize our successes is definitely something that people should remember to do frequently. Life can get so busy that even when we accomplish something we set out to do, we forget to allow ourselves a very deserved celebration!

Glad that you got so much out of the post, and there is certainly more where that came from. You can check out the Categories section in the right side bar, you can search the site using the Google search box also in the sidebar, or you can start right here in the Goals category:

http://www.todayisthatday.com/blog/category/goals/

Enjoy!

It is a classic irony that in today’s high-tech society, putting pen to paper is still one of the most powerful tools that we have at our disposal!

That is an excellent point. Although technically no one should do something just because other people expect it of us, when we publicize our goals, there is that added desire to follow through on what we said.

No one likes to say something and then get caught not pulling it off!

You are absolutely right. There can be no goal attainment without taking action, and a good plan of attack is always a good idea.

As I said in this post, by writing down my goals, the ideas came to me unbidden. It’s still up to me to take action.

Wow, that is a picture-perfect example of proper goal-setting technique! I love the renewal of the long and the short-term goals each Sunday. What a great way to stay on track.

Cary

People are always so turned off by plans, but I hope they realize that a little organization will bring them the freedom to achieve their goals. That’s what my blog really tries to focus on: freedom through organization.