Goal Setting Using Google Calendar By Josh Hinds

If there's one thing to keep clearly in mind with regards to the goal setting process it's the old saying, "out of sight, out of mind." Make no mistake, it has been responsible for stopping many a worthwhile goal in its tracks, and if you don't have a plan for dealing with it, it will stop you short of your desired destination as well.

You see, the reality is that in most cases it's not that our particular goal or endeavor wasn't capable of achievement -- no, more often than not the problem was that we didn't have a plan in place for keeping it clearly in front of us long enough to see it through to completion.

With that in mind, I believe we could greatly improve the odds of accomplishing the goals we set if we developed a plan to stay plugged in and engaged in the process which is necessary to attaining the goals we set for ourselves.

Sound interesting? Good then keep on reading...

Here's a plan you can put into action that has the ability to keep you plugged in and moving forward on your goals -- the old problem associated with out of sight, out of mind will be a thing of the past for you.

First I'll touch on what you need to get started, and then I'll give a bit more detail on how to put it all together into a workable system.

1. you need to sign up for the Google Calendar (it's free by the way).

Ok, that's really all you need. Easy enough right? I'd also like to mention that you don't have to choose the google calendar, but for the purpose of this tutorial I'm going to assume that this is your choice of tool. (btw. if you've got a better tool in your opinion, I'd love to have you share it -- along with how you use it in the comments section immediately following this post)

So here's how it works...

Before I go over the specifics on how the system works I want to mention that the ideas which follow are not meant to be written in stone, you're welcome, actually encouraged to tweak this plan to your own liking and make it work best for you.

With that said, here's the system you may want to consider using yourself.

Once you login to the google calendar, especially if it is your first time using it, you'll want to familiarize yourself with it a bit first. Getting into the nuts and bolts of using it are beyond the scope of this tutorial which is actually more focused on using it from a goal-setting perspective. Here's a link to the Google Calendar Tour to learn all the ins and outs on using it.

Ok, hopefully you had a look over the tour link mentioned just above and now you're ready to move forward with using it to achieve your goals.

One of the interesting things about the google calendar is that you can actually create individual calendars which appear in your main google calendar (they appear as "My Calendars"). Here's an example of what I mean. You could choose to have a separate calendar say for business events or personal events, etc. Then you would enter things that directly relate to that particular calendars topic as opposed to dropping everything in your main calendar. It sounds a little confusing, but it's quite simple and after you've explored a bit more inside the google calendar you'll see that it's actually fairly easy.

So for the purposes of this goal setting tutorial you want to create a calendar called, "goals", you could actually name it whatever you'd like, but choosing the name I mentioned might work best as it will actually display on the left hand menu along side the custom calendars (that is My Calendars) you create in google calendar. With each custom calendar you can assign it it's own color so that when you're viewing your over all calendar (one that will actually be a compilation of all the individual calendars you've setup) you'll easily be able to spot the goals you've set for yourself.

From here you would enter your particular goals on the set destination date of your choice. While it's true that using this approach won't necessarily give you a quick at a glance of all your goals, it will give you the ability to set reminders which you can have pop-up (and even send reminders to you) on or near the dates that you've set for yourself (this can greatly help you stay plugged into and working on your goals). Talk about getting rid of the old out of sight out of mind problem we talked about earlier eh?

It's also worth noting that by using the "my calendars" menu mentioned before you can choose to view only the particular "my calendars" you want to see. For example, you could choose to easily view only your "goals" calendar and then you would be able to quickly look over the goals you've set. Choosing the "Agenda" view of your calendar would display your goals in more of a list type format.

As you look around the Google Calendar and explore it further, look for ways you can make it work in your goal-setting efforts. I'd love to hear your thoughts and input on the ideas shared here in the comments section below.

Taking this approach a step further...

If you really wanted to stay plugged into the goals you set you could always choose to set Google Calendar (which of course will include your particular goal-setting calendar) as your home page or start page (that's the page which opens when you first open your web browser). Most web browsers will let you set more than one start page anyway. Talk about putting your goal setting (or at least the part where you have to actually look at them) on auto-pilot. Give it a try and see how much easier it is for you to stay plugged into your goals, which in turn will make the goal achieving part of the equation all the easier.

Once again, keep in mind, the importance that staying plugged into the goals you set will play in how many of them you actually achieve.

And remember...

It's your life, LIVE BIG! -- Josh Hinds :-)

* Josh is the author of 'Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out!'

(c) All rights reserved

Dreams vs. Goals By Marcia Wieder

When I announced to family and friends that I was moving to CA to help people achieve their dreams, they looked at me like I had lost my mind. They said things like, "You used to be so credible. Can't you call this goal setting?"

And although I know and agree that goals are essential, there is a very different energy around dreams. And that's what I am passionate about. Dreaming gets up to swing outside of just being realistic.

At a certain point it is essential to move from dreams to goals, but if you go to goal setting and strategy too soon, you'll probably compromise your dreams too soon down to what you know you can realistically accomplish.

Dreams often allow for more creativity and imagination. If time and money weren't issues, what would you do? If you had the support of the people around you to do what you truly want, what would that be? And, if you knew you could not fear, what would you pursue?

Goals and projects have specific due dates. A dream that never becomes a goal often remains a fantasy or nice idea. But set goals based on what you know and you may limit yourself and possibilities.

Dream first by getting your ideas, needs, wants, hopes and desires all down on paper. Put into your dreams everything that you want and leave out what you don't want.

Then break big or long term dreams down into projects that can easily be accomplished in one month or less. Why a month? It's a long enough time to produce a real result but also short enough to keep your passion ignited. This is critical for accomplishing your dreams.

Use goals and projects with specific and measurable results to track your progress and ensure success. But start with your dreams to follow your heart.
___________
Marcia Wieder is a motivational speaker, specializing in goal setting, visionary thinking and team building. She is the author of several books, and has been featured in her own PBS television special called Making Your Dreams Come True. You can Reach her by visiting her website at www.marciaw.com.

Sponsor Message: Josh Hinds, your host here at GoalsSuccess.com is the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Motivated and Inspired Day in and Day out!

Goal Setting -- Write Down Your Goals! By Gary Ryan Blair

Like umbrellas and pens, unwritten goals almost always end in loss!

Written goals are catalysts, transforming agents for success and achievement. You will achieve far greater and more consistent results when you take the time to write down your goals.

Writing goals sets off a chain of events that allows you and others to see and evaluate your goals so that you can develop plans to achieve them. Goals kept only in your mind have an uncanny way of remaining figments of your imagination. The odds are against you ever acting upon them.

Goals not written down fall victim to the “out of sight… out of mind” phenomenon! We've all had the experience of going to the supermarket with a “mental list” of stuff to get. Yet we inevitably return home without one or more desired item. A simple written list would have been the perfect solution.

Your goals work the same way. If you don't write them down, you will forget them. Writing challenges thought. When you write a goal, you actually see what you're thinking. You have a target to aim for…something that takes shape and grows legs.

By writing your goals, you take a step toward achieving them. It is an essential piece of the combination, a tremendous ally of focus.

From eureka to achievement, the evolution of a goal begins in the mind and immediately takes shape when pen is put to paper. The goal progresses from thought to sketch, from sketch to action, and finally from action to achievement in real time. The achievement of a goal is an exemplary tale of power, purpose, and potential.

The process of writing and revising a goal forces you to make a commitment to yourself; once a goal is written, you've made an investment. And, as with any investment, you'll want to protect it and nurture its growth.

If you intend to take goal setting seriously, you must up the ante by writing down your goals and revising them continuously.

By choosing your goal and writing it down, you gain an edge. Most people simply respond to conditions rather than creating conditions for a better life. While there is no magic pill or equation for success, one thing is sure: Those who fail to plan by not writing down their goals, by default, plan to fail.

While blessed with permanent memory, your mind is cursed with lousy recall. Even if the only paper in sight is a cocktail napkin, write down your goal! You execute best with precise instructions. Your written goal must be specific and measurable.

Success has a low ambiguity threshold. The better job you do specifying the goal, the more focused you will be, and the better your chances of achieving it.

Your mind has a great capacity to think through facts, fiction, and circumstance to find ways to achieve your goals. What was once recorded on paper will soon be recorded in history… as a goal achieved.

Everything Counts!
Gary Ryan Blair
______________
Gary Ryan Blair is President of The GoalsGuy. A visionary and gifted conceptual thinker, Gary is highly regarded as a speaker, consultant, strategic planner, and coach to leading companies throughout the globe. Visit The GoalsGuy!

*brought to you by GoalsSuccess.com

The Dynamic Power of Discipline - By Jill Koenig

I used to feel threatened by discipline.

In my youth, my greatest passion was art and my ability to create a masterpiece was based purely on spontaneous inspiration, which didn't always jive with discipline.

I used to think that too much discipline would interfere with my creativity, or minimize my energy and motivation.

That was one of many limiting beliefs that held me back for a time.

As time goes on, my appreciation for discipline grows, especially when it comes to Goal Setting.

Let's look at the definition

Discipline: training that develops self control, efficiency, etc.

The fact is that discipline is a powerful force and there are times in life that you absolutely must employ it in order to reach your Goals.

For example, I started running again a few weeks ago after a long hiatus. My Goal was to work up to a capacity of running 3 to 4 miles per day for fun 4 times per week.

Because I was rusty, the only way for me to achieve that Goal, to build up my endurance and expand my ability to run longer distances, was through discipline. Start small and consistently increase my capacity and efficiency. I had to start with walking and work up to being able to jog slowly for short distances and then add longer distances.

In the past month I have logged about 70 miles of running and walking. It wouldn't have worked if I tried to do all 70 miles in one day out of the blue because true conditioning comes from consistency and strategic graduation of frequency, duration and intensity.

Three to four times per week, I had to create a new discipline of walking or jogging 1, 2, 3 and then 4 miles. I had to work up to it and get out and do it even when I didn't feel like it.

But because I was committed to being consistent and disciplined, I quickly worked my way from walking to jogging and gradually was able to increase the distance.

I conditioned my muscles, joints and respiratory system to accommodate the new demands by starting with small steps and increasing in gradual increments. I understood prior to beginning that this was part of the process. I defined my Goal and stayed focused.

As you would imagine, it was difficult at first. I was huffing and puffing and praying just to be able to cover a couple of miles at a snails pace.

At times it was uncomfortable.

At times it was painful. Muscles when not used atrophy. My muscles were not accustomed to those demands at that level of intensity. The only way to condition them is to do a little and incrementally increase the demand and duration gradually over time.

Rushing it could cause an injury, therefore consistency is the key element, which comes down to discipline.

"We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." - Jim Rohn

Some people when going after their Goals, quit or turn back at the first sight of pain not realizing that the pain or discomfort is a price that must be paid.

The short term pain was worth it to experience the long term gain of achieving my Goal.

What was difficult in the beginning is much easier now thanks to discipline.

If you want to achieve something you've never had before, you have to do things you've never done before.

Your action step:

Think of a Goal in your own life that requires a similar application of discipline and take the next step.

A great tool to begin conditioning yourself to achieve your Goals is New Year New Life! A Guide to Make 2007 Your Best Year Ever! (it was even featured on The Fox News Channel)

Live Your Dreams
______________
Jill Koenig, the "Goal Guru" is America's Top Goal Strategist. A best selling Author, Coach and Motivational Speaker, she is an expert on the subjects of Goal Setting, Time Management and Business Success. Her Goal in life is to help you UNLEASH your untapped potential. Get your FREE Goal Setting CD at www.GoalGuru.com.

Sponsor Message: WHAT IF YOU HAD THE SAME MINUTE-BY-MINUTE THOUGHTS AS THE SUPER SUCCESSFUL?
Mike Brescia has developed the ultimate mental conditioning programs that can help anyone wipe out intense fears and enjoy huge successes in all areas of life. Learn more about these powerful programs here.

Journaling Helps You Understand Your Thoughts and Beliefs By Mark Victor Hansen

If you've never done it before, I can assure you - journaling can open up a whole new world to you. It's not just for the weak or lily livered either, so get that thought out of our mind immediately. This is not a Jane Austen endeavor - this is your life.

Just writing down your thoughts, ideas, plans and goals can open the window to your mind. It can show you the train of your thoughts, your fears and your hopes so that you've got something there that shows you, indicatively, what you're really thinking.

See, journaling lets you release the thoughts in your mind that you might not even be consciously aware of. When you start journaling, don't be self-conscious about what you write - just let it flow.

After a week or month or so, take some time to review your entries. Note your hopes and your fears. Don't let those good ideas get away from you - they're there in paper, now put some action to those ideas. Get clearer on your hopes and goals, and note where you need to deviate yourself from any negative self talk.

Action Step:

Keep up on your journal entries, jotting just a few words every day if possible. Over the next year, you'll see the difference a personal journal can make.

I'll see you next time!

Yours in goal-setting success,
Mark Victor Hansen
_______________
Mark Victor Hansen - Co-Author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul series of books. For over 25 years, Mark Victor Hansen has focused solely on helping people in all walks of life reshape their personal vision of what's possible for themselves. Visit MarkVictorHansen.com for resources, secure shopping and web-only product specials, speaking schedule and current projects.

Moving Down to Go Up: Making Room for a Big Goal By Terri Marie

Overnight my daughter and I had plunged into poverty.

When my ex- husband moved out, it was a struggle to survive and keep my daughter in our home. I wanted to provide her with as stable a life as I could give her, considering all the upheaval.

Literally overnight, we had to live on less than a quarter of my ex-husband’s substantial income. How it shocked me! But I made a life-changing decision then and there - I would follow my heart and dreams the rest of my life.

Soon I would get the opportunity.

One day, after I had raised my daughter, I got a message in my head, "This is not the place for you." I fought it for a few years - until I had to move. That message was blaring steadily at me.

Most people move up as they go through life. I went from a house in a neighborhood surrounded by doctors and architects into a 600 sq. ft one-bedroom apartment. In order to do this, I had to sell or give away almost everything I owned.

Why did I make such a drastic move? Why did I move down? Because my dream was calling.

I gave up the big home for a small place near my favorite spot and moved to a small oceanside town. My life blossomed. My dream could finally grow.

Don't get misled by the trappings of success. The big house. The big car payments etc. Steve Covey says, "Don't impress. Bless." The person to impress is yourself. When you know you are valuable you create that value in yourself and give it to the world, That’s when you start blessing yourself.

Later, when it doesn't hurt your dream to do so, you can bless yourself with a big home (or the right small one), with the car you want and the vacations you want.

If you have a big dream, a super-size goal, here is something to help get you from where you start now to your new dream destination.

Practice blessings. As you bless your food, your dreams, your mission, your purpose and your goals, your life magically improves wherever you are.

(It's not really magic.)
If you were God wouldn't you love to give things to someone who appreciated everything you did for them? I believe so.

So when things get really tough, find something to be grateful for and bless it.

After 9/11, I, like much of America, felt shock and complete upheaval. It didn't seem like there was much to bless. But I had been in the habit of writing down at least 5 things I was grateful for every day.

For months after the attacks I was thankful for things that were very basic but profoundly necessary. It was all I could think of.

I wrote things like:
Thank you God for another day. Thank you for my body.
Thank you for the blue sky. Thank you I am breathing.

(Here's an actual page from my gratitude journal)
Thank you for another day.
Thank you Brooke (my daughter) arrived safely (She was on a flight the first day planes were allowed back up in the sky)
Thank you for the planes in the sky.
Thank you I learned a few more things on the computer.
Thank you for a wonderful bath.

By being grateful for everything, even if I saw only small things for awhile (and breathing is NOT small!) gratitude moved me forward.

Be Willing To Move if Things Seem Stuck. By physically moving my residence, I showed God I was grateful for the dreams and goals he put in my heart because I was willing to MOVE on them.

I turned my house into a book.

Things started to manifest amazingly well after I sold my house. That house energy turned into books, articles, columns and seminars. Wonderful people and opportunities flew my way. I gave myself the time To write my first book, “Be the Hero of Your Own Game.”

Today no one comes over to my little apartment and says "What a beautiful home!" It's Okay. Instead, they say, "We love your column! Your book helped me so much." That feels so much better to hear.

Because of “moving down” I am building a new home outside of one of the most beautiful, special places on earth, Sedona, Arizona. Following your dreams doesn't mean you give up everything else. You only do that temporarily, until that dream is birthed. Then all the other things you love will follow.

Don’t let False Success Trap You - Don't let the “success” you think you have, keep you from what you really want. Don't be afraid to give up everything when you hear the call of your dream.

When the big Coach calls you into the Game and tells you your next play, don't say, "I can't. I'm not ready." Instead say, "What do you want me to do?"

Have you gotten the call of success yet? You will. You only move down until you touch bottom. Then you can move all the way up!

Live like a hero,
Terri Marie

© 2007 White Wing Entertainment
____________
Terri Marie is an award winning author and producer who believes we all have a hero within. She writes a column called, “Heroes Among Us.” Get a FREE inspirational message at SpiritualArena.com.
Email terrimarie@herobookonline.com
Read hero lessons at www.heroesamongus.blogspot.com

Sponsor Message: Are you ready to increase your personal success, and achieve more of the goals you set? Find out how to Claim Your Power Now...