Don't take on more than you can handle too soon, especially if your goal is something outside your knowledge or current ability. It's easy to get discouraged when you realize that your goal of running three miles a day has fizzled out after two weeks because you can't seem to get past one mile a day. Unless you've been an active runner it's better to start slow and work your way up in increments. When you start small and set mini-goals for yourself, you are much more likely to succeed.
You just started a job as a sales clerk and have a goal of becoming sales manager in six months. That's most likely not going to happen, and you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Set goals that are attainable by assessing the reality of the situation and gathering information. This is especially important when setting goals where someone else plays a pivotal role in whether you achieve success, such as your boss. It's great to aim big, but not so big that you can't reach your goal.
According to Claudia Raab of Raab and Raab Performance Consulting, statistics show that only 3 to 5 percent of people actually write down their goals, and that's the same percentage of people who succeed. Write your goals down where you will see them every day. If your goal is long-term and you feel as if you'll never reach it, writing down concrete steps on how you will achieve it can provide gratification so you'll feel as though you're making progress. As you move through the steps you can check them off your list.
Affirmations are positive words and statements used repetitively to help you build self-confidence and change your attitude and behaviors. Affirmations can be printed on note cards, typed into a screen saver on your computer or taped on your mirror. You can add images to your affirmations by cutting pictures out of magazines. If your goal is to become a skydiving instructor, tape an image of a skydiver on your mirror next to the words, "I will pass my skydiving exam," to make for a one-two punch of positive thinking. Paul J. Meyer, founder of the Success Institute, says that if you do not have a strong sense of self-motivation, the skill can be acquired by using positive affirmations. Because affirmations are so simple to use, they are sometimes discounted. If you are patient and use them consistently you can change your life.
A strong social network can be a powerful motivational force as well as a safety net if you encounter bumps along your journey. Ask your trusted friends and family to encourage you, provide positive support and cheer you on until you achieve your goal. Be clear on what you expect from them so they know what type of support you need. For your goal of making the college hockey team, invite your best friend to watch inspirational hockey-themed movies with you. Once you've achieved your goal invite them to celebrate your success with you.