Goal Setting

One of the biggest obstacles to success everywhere you look is the lack of someone making a decision to proceed with their goal. In other words, they have not yet made a decision. Thus, indecision is robbing them on any chance to move forward. What lies ahead, therefore, is the same old things, the same old job, the same old routine, and the same old self-incrimination that knows you can have more.

Once the decision has been made to set a goal in motion, comes one of the most important yet difficult transitions. And, that is to prepare yourself to stay focused on what you want, what you want to achieve, and what will be your rewards when your goal has been reached. Focus is the glue that keeps you rocketing forward as if your train was propelled by a nuclear engine. Focus keeps you moving constantly toward a goal accomplishment and does not permit you to lessen your activity. You should also be aware of the difference between the effective use of time, and the efficient use of time.

Efficient use of your time means that time spent on an activity or task is used in the most advantageous method. Contrast this to the effective use of time which means that while you are busy doing some tasks, these tasks are not crucial to moving you toward what really needs to be accomplished or completed. For example, if task ‘A’ is critical, and task ‘B’ is somewhat critical, and task ‘C’ could wait or is really not necessary, then effective use of time may be directed toward task “B’ or task ‘C’. To use your available time, and energy, your time should be directed toward the completion of task ‘A’ because its’ completion will keep your engine fueled and enable it to drive even further.

One of the most important aspects of focus is to keep taking one step at a time despite any obstacles or time stealers that are bound to assail you on your path. Time stealers are everywhere especially if you are one of those people who also are working at another job as you strive to create a new future. Or, you could be one of those people who are studying full-time and succumb to invitations to waste valuable time by engaging in activities that while fun or pleasant serve only to delay what you should be doing.

I am not saying that amongst your activities there isn’t room for some good old rest and relaxation - we all need some diversions. But, what I am saying is that these diversions should be limited to a set amount of time so that you are not lured into wasting time that you can never make up again. We all have the same amount of time to spend, and once spent can never be recovered.

Initial focus is much easier because you’re excited about the possibilities, about a new future, a new beginning, or a new career. Continued focus is more difficult and challenging because the initial excitement has waned. Your real test comes, then, in keeping the spark lit, the deep desires burning, and the mental fortitude to keep going in spite of obstacles, or allowing time stealers to creep into your behavior. Focus takes focus, and with focus comes more, and it is the attainment of more that keeps you focused.