It is useless writing down goals

109 replies
A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

Do you agree or disagree ?
#goals #useless #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Justin Hedge
    It takes more than writing them down to achieve them; however, writing them down is a great first step toward action.

    Perhaps these additional steps will help you:

    Next time you write down a goal, set a realistic deadline for it. Sign it. Make yourself accountable. Look at it every day.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4325473].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      The purpose of writing a goal is not that you should feel "accomplished" doing so.

      The purpose of writing a goal is to KNOW what you want to do.

      Often an idea, a goal is up in the air but they don't know where or how to start.

      To me, a written goal is a plan, not just words. It includes the steps to completion.

      But I will daresay, that for some, a written goal, sadly, is enough sanctification for them and they won't even follow up on it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4326862].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author H.Miller
      Originally Posted by Justin Hedge View Post

      It takes more than writing them down to achieve them; however, writing them down is a great first step toward action.

      Perhaps these additional steps will help you:

      Next time you write down a goal, set a realistic deadline for it. Sign it. Make yourself accountable. Look at it every day.
      Totally agree.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4345346].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ccora
    I agree that just writing down goals is not enough. However, if the act of writing them down was a part of the overall process, then it is useful. Writing them helps solidify thoughts and also acts as reminders if you put them in prominent places. As long as you can tie them in with action, it is still a good way.

    Personally, I find that I implement my plans more effectively if my goals are written down somewhere. As long as I actively review them, they will help me stay on track.

    Of course, just writing down goals and then putting them in some folder or shelf that you will never access is useless.
    Signature

    Clint Cora - Motivational Speaker, Author & Karate World Champion

    Get my FREE 3-part Personal Development Video Series to help you
    expand your comfort zones to conquer your most daunting goals in life

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4326880].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author swilliams09
    Written or not written, having the burning desire to achieve the goal is the most important thing. When its written in neon letters inside your skull every waking hour, that's a million times better than writing it down for a self help book. A book can't give you that.
    Signature

    Learn how to make videos that sell. Special $1 Offer for Warriors Only.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ml?view=modern

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4327033].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ryan Dodson
      Originally Posted by swilliams09 View Post

      Written or not written, having the burning desire to achieve the goal is the most important thing. When its written in neon letters inside your skull every waking hour, that's a million times better than writing it down for a self help book. A book can't give you that.
      Well put. When writing down your goals, you have to feel your intention on a deeper level. It should excite you, maybe even scare you a little. Otherwise, you've set the wrong goal.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4340728].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tuffy22
      Writing it down just helps some people hold themselves accountable. If you are a person that has the burning fire and discipline already built-in...that's great. I personally don't write goals down because I'd just lose that piece of paper along the way...

      Originally Posted by swilliams09 View Post

      Written or not written, having the burning desire to achieve the goal is the most important thing. When its written in neon letters inside your skull every waking hour, that's a million times better than writing it down for a self help book. A book can't give you that.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4550192].message }}
  • Believe it or not - I actually make a list of things to do every day. The first thing I write on that list is "Kick Ass."

    I actually write down my intention to totally rock in every way. It sets the attitude right and gets me motivated.
    Signature
    What if you had invested in Google EARLY?
    Now is Your Chance

    Niche Marketing for Dummies (FREE Download)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4327138].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SeekingNothing
      Originally Posted by HomeBusinessMastery View Post

      Believe it or not - I actually make a list of things to do every day. The first thing I write on that list is "Kick Ass."

      I actually write down my intention to totally rock in every way. It sets the attitude right and gets me motivated.
      I do believe I'm going to steal that.

      Going back to the topic, The trick, of course is to mix knowing what you want, knowing what you have to do to get what you want, and actually doing it in such a way that you actually get closer to what you want.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4356801].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tainted Seraphim
      Originally Posted by HomeBusinessMastery View Post

      Believe it or not - I actually make a list of things to do every day. The first thing I write on that list is "Kick Ass."

      I actually write down my intention to totally rock in every way. It sets the attitude right and gets me motivated.
      Sorry, but "kick ass and totally rock" is not a goal. A goal is something specific and measurable, not a vague, general idea that's open to interpretation.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4378622].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ktmakwana
    Writing down the goal does two things. First, in order to write it down, it means you have a goal in the first place.

    Secondly, there is a power of writing your goal down. It brings it into reality.

    From personal experience, writing down the goals has definitely played a part in achievement of them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4327175].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Clyde
    Obviously the goal of listing down your goals is so that you will take action.

    You cannot just buy a "Vision" board from The Secret and become instantly rich.
    Signature

    Generate Unlimited Number of Micro Niche Keywords, Multi-threaded EMD Finder PLUS More!




    50% OFF WSO.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4327192].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jushuaburnham
    I think it is good so you have the outline for your success. You have the focus and able to set a clear mind set towards your goal.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330141].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    It may not be helpful for some people but I personally find it very useful.

    It helps me clarify what I want to do and resist getting side-tracked by less important things. It also keeps me from getting bogged down from too many ideas running through my head.

    I make a clear set of goals with set timelines and the specific actions it will take to reach each goal.

    But, obviously, just writing down the goals without following through is useless.

    I think it's matter of what works best for each person.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330222].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Peter Gehr
    I think it's critical to write down your goals, and just as important is looking at them often and reading them out loud to yourself.

    It's no good writing down goals and slipping the notebook into a drawer and hoping they will be fulfilled.

    The whole point of writing down goals is to take that step of commitment by defining what your plans are.

    I understand that what you are getting at may mean that you've written down a lot of goals, and it could be that you expected too much. The key is to shortlist your goals and prioritize the attainable goals with realistic deadlines.

    This sums it up right here:

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330447].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author timeworks
    For some people, I don't think you have to write down goals. But for others, it is needed because unless they take a concrete step by actually having to document their goals, then they won't ever get it started.

    I think it really depends on the person. Even though I memorize all my goals, I still write them down so I can sit and look at them each day. There is something in our brains that likes to see things in writing.

    Either way, its an interesting topic you brought up.
    Signature
    >>PLRPRODUCTS.COM - 1000's Of Resell Rights Products (eBooks, Articles, Videos, & More)<<
    >>BRANDABLY.COM - 1,000's Of Brandable And Tech Domain Names For Sale<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330502].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eugeneoconnell
    I agree with this one, all you've got to do is just one step. As for me, I like to write down my goals. By this, I can focus on what I like to achieve in a particular period of time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330512].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
    I think writing down your goals increasing the likelihood that you will achieve most, if not all, of them. Being able to see them in writing makes your goals more tangible and helps to keep you focused.

    Personally, the older I get, the more I tend to forget. So, writing things down is the best thing I can do to ensure that I complete important tasks and projects by the deadline and stay on-track.

    Iris
    Signature
    Make every day count!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ephrils
    Of course you have to take action. It's not just going to appear at your doorstep tomorrow.

    Napoleon Hill said the reason to write down your goal was simply to change your idea of what you want to a tangible reality, putting it on paper. A good first step if you do more than just buy a pencil.
    Signature

    Two Signature lines for rent.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4330929].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alfredo Carrion
    It's not just about writing goals. Only write ones that you really want to achieve and are passionate about doing. Writing goals for the sake of it is the wrong way to go.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4331223].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jkuhry
    I write down daily goals in the morning,,, and then I usually always achieve them by the time I go to bed... daily goals keeps me productive and on the right path.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4331227].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Le Project
    Completely agree!! I am doing it myself. i belive when i am writing down my goals it will make me easier to achieve the goals. yeah dream it, write it (plan) and make it true (act)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4331294].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alfredo Carrion
    Also have you considered writing just a daily to-do list and crossing off the list as you do them? That could help you to overcome this problem.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4331311].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author storge
    Its just not about setting goals only but WHY set those goals...once you see the importance of WHY,your desire will propel you to achieve them at all costs
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4331682].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author undisputed
    Well Guys

    I've never written any goals, though i've them in my head.
    Reminding: my websites keeps me reminded that what i've got to do this, when you spend most of your time online and your goals are online i highly doubt that goals written or not have any effect.

    Though recently i've started organizing things in a proper way, it feels good.

    organizing things >>> writing down goals
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4340530].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lisa Hayslett
      The act of writing down a goal alone IS useless. However, writing the goal down and a daily action plan to reach that goal and then DOING IT -- WILL change your life.

      I actually have a huge whiteboard in my office. On the top is my yearly and monthly income goal. It is then broken down into how many sales that is for me per month and then how many leads I must have daily to reach that goal.

      After that I have three lists: Immediate, Daily, Long term

      These three list keep me going. I do what is on the immediate list first thing - and it changes daily. Even if it is paying a bill or scheduling a doctors appt. It keeps me on track and organized.

      I fly through the immediate list because I know if I don't get to the daily list - I will not get leads - I will not get sales - I will not reach my goals.

      My whiteboard has became my NUMBER ONE success tool. I don't lose focus and I work very fast with all of this at my finger tips.

      One other thing I do that is VERY helpful is set a timer....I know approximately how long each task takes me and I set the timer so I know I am on a deadline with each task in my daily list.

      This includes my forum time, learning time, email checking... I time all of it and when the timer dings - the browser closes.

      Hope this helps someone. Writing goals is important to me and has contributed to my success.
      Signature

      Your Success Matters To Me! Meet me at my Blog: www.lisahayslett.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4340731].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author magnates
        Originally Posted by Lisa Hayslett View Post

        The act of writing down a goal alone IS useless. However, writing the goal down and a daily action plan to reach that goal and then DOING IT -- WILL change your life.

        I actually have a huge whiteboard in my office. On the top is my yearly and monthly income goal. It is then broken down into how many sales that is for me per month and then how many leads I must have daily to reach that goal.

        After that I have three lists: Immediate, Daily, Long term

        These three list keep me going. I do what is on the immediate list first thing - and it changes daily. Even if it is paying a bill or scheduling a doctors appt. It keeps me on track and organized.

        I fly through the immediate list because I know if I don't get to the daily list - I will not get leads - I will not get sales - I will not reach my goals.

        My whiteboard has became my NUMBER ONE success tool. I don't lose focus and I work very fast with all of this at my finger tips.

        One other thing I do that is VERY helpful is set a timer....I know approximately how long each task takes me and I set the timer so I know I am on a deadline with each task in my daily list.

        This includes my forum time, learning time, email checking... I time all of it and when the timer dings - the browser closes.

        Hope this helps someone. Writing goals is important to me and has contributed to my success.

        Hi Lisa,

        Thanks for dropping by and joining the conversation

        what you have said is EXACTLY WHY i wrote this post

        Daily action MUST FOLLOW AFTER YOU HAVE WRITTEN YOUR GOALS .

        Anybody that tells writing goals is enough is LIEING TO YOU

        Like Lisa said ,The act of writing down a goal alone IS useless

        ~Femi
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4345916].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author magnates
          Originally Posted by Gordon Gekko View Post

          Show me who said that writing down goals, alone, is enough to achieve them. No one in their right mind ever said that in any self-help book, so if anything is useless, it's this thread.

          You claim the authors said to write down goals and take no action. No...that's how YOU read it. Why? Because they didn't tell you what specific actions to take? How can they tell you what specific actions to take in order to achieve your goal when the author doesn't even know you or what your goal is? What you need to DO is based on your goal. Even if the author did know your goal, how can he tell you exactly what to do? He can't. You can have two people in the exact same industry in the exact same spot and I can guarantee you the both of them took two different paths to get where they are. A self-help author can't map out your path for you, it's up to you to find your own path.
          Hi Gordon,

          Lets not get started on books that conveniently miss out the action part . Ok ,here's one : The Secret. .. (Just visualise what you want and would get what you want . Nothing wrong with visualising, but if it stops there , it is just no good )

          Don't get me wrong ... I don't hate self-help books . I love them ... I have a library full of books that have added to my life if not transformed my life

          They are a blessing ... What i am against is being misled by some shady ones

          If not for wonderful people in self-help books, I won't av met the people i have met and i won't be the confident happy person i am

          Just sharing my experience and learning from others ...

          Much love

          ~Femi
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4360795].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Vector
            Originally Posted by magnates View Post

            Hi Gordon,

            Lets not get started on books that conveniently miss out the action part . Ok ,here's one : The Secret. .. (Just visualise what you want and would get what you want . Nothing wrong with visualise, but if it stops there , it is no good )

            Don't get me wrong ... I don't hate self-help books . I love them ... I have a library full of books that have added to my life if not transformed my life

            They are a blessing ... What i am against is being misled by some shady ones

            If not for wonderful people in self-help books, I won't av met the people i have met and i won't be the confident happy person i am

            Just sharing my experience and learning from others ...

            Much love

            ~Femi
            You nailed it brother! Even the way most self help books are written is adverse to people taking action since the information is presented as just head knowledge and most do not include a list of actionable items to complete after the foundational information has been presented. That's why I much rather buy a report than a book, they are more likely to be focused and actionable!!
            Just my thoughts!

            Jay
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4361026].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author abond
    Wasn't there a study at Yale University that showed people whom wrote down goals (only 3% of them) were making nearly as much money as the bottom 97% whom didn't write down goals?

    I find it keeps you focused if you write down your goals very specifically (for example: I will become successful is a useless goal. I will make 100,000 USD within 2 years is more useful).

    Of course, if you write things down and do nothing, then it is a complete waste of time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4341723].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GregSilva
    Want to know the best way to achieve goals?

    Tell everyone you know, EVERYONE that you are doing something or into a new venture. Outright brag about it.

    Doing this forces you to focus and take action in making money...because you are going to look like a damn fool if you don't do it and everyone asks you "So, what happened with that?".

    Works for me at least, haha
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4341884].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Dodson
    The most effective time for me to write down a goal is when I get an inspired thought or feeling. My subconscious mind is essentially what I use to create goals. And it'll always lead me to something great; either the exact goal I set - or something even better!

    Whenever I would try to write down a goal based on my conscious, uninspired thoughts, the goal would always seem too "practical" and I didn't feel any motivation at all to achieve it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4341895].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    No matter what you write down, if it is not in your heart you will not remember, or, follow through.

    I must admit I been a huge goal writer/wish list writer since childhood. However, the things that I succeed in doesn't always correlate with whats on paper. I am who I am, and, I can only obtain what I am capable of.

    No majic just reality. Reality works for me, someone elses experience maybe more esoteric. Follow your path....you can't fit someone elses shoes no matter what they tell you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4344678].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post

    A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

    Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

    i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

    Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?

    I guess the idea behind writing goals is that once you write them, you will follow them LOL.

    The irony is that I have NOT started working on any goals that I have written down. But I had success with achieving goals which I never wrote down.
    Signature

    >>>Get your websites ACTUALLY ranked by checking these out: Quantum SEO Labs, Home Page Link Building & SERP Ability. Want to get rid of negative listings? Check out Reputation Enhancer.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4345309].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Coach Louisa
    I agree that writing it down Alone will not accomplish much. However if we take action after writing it down and down those goals then YES this can be a powerful way to propel your progress. Here's a post I did a while ago - let me know your thoughts ...
    delivr. com/17wwo
    Signature

    Visit new website at http://www.LouisaChan.com
    and join me for Free Tutorial at YouTube Louisa Chan

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4345669].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Forcefactor
    I believe that writing your goals down and reading it every single day. For me, it creates the drive I need to push myself.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4345788].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jann
    Writing your goals is having them halfway into the world because you have basically downloaded your dreams onto paper.
    You have the other half to get done......ACTION!!!!

    So, Writing is as important as taking action.
    None beats the other.

    Thanks for the thought, i have never given it a keen look.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4347158].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joshua526
    Goals are useless if there is no action.
    I know that when you write your goals and read them regularly, you will see opportunities and resources and tools to help you achieve them, you become more aware of the things that will help you that are already there around you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4350904].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author abond
    I certainly agree that writing down your goals/affirmations have no magic. We all know a person whom has on their binder written "I am capable and responsible" yet has been unemployed for 2 years.


    But, if you are wiling to go with the flow, goal writing can help you keep focused.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4355290].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dasongoh
    I find that smaller goals are easier to translate into actions.

    Yes, ACTION is still the key at the end of the day -- else you will just be "thinking" about your idea in your mind, and not "doing" it.
    Signature
    [GET INDEXED] In Google Within Minutes...(Or Even SECONDS?) Ingenious WordPress SEO Plugin! [PROOF!]

    "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4356068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vector
    I know this is true for me and probably for most people that struggle to take action on their goals: the breakdown occurs in not creating a list of small actions or steps for each objective that can take you to the accomplishment of your goal. It's the "Next Actions" concept from GTD.

    Jay
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4356718].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Q136
    First of all why are you using a self help author to tell you what to do?
    Secondly, if you set the right goals then they will be achievable without help from outside yourself.

    I find that by writing a todo list everyday and sticking to it. I reach my goals faster and have fewer chances to make a mistake or place obstacles in my own path. This way it shows how much progress I am making towards the bigger goals that I set for myself.

    A great man will squander more opportunity's than he creates in his life time!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4356824].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author warriorclub
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post

    A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

    Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

    i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

    Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?
    Basically writing down goals only helps me remember that I have them in the first place.

    I try to write down the steps to get to these goals on a calendar. this helps me to remember to take action. But it's easier said then done.
    Signature

    "There is nothing impossible to him who will try" Quote by Alexander the Great

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4356852].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author razorico
    To achieve results I write down goals at the start of the day, of the week month, year.
    And each day I write in a diary what i achieve. I write it on paper not in a blog, this helps me better analyze mistakes and reasons if some of the goals, wasn't achieved.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4356922].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vector
    TAKING ACTION is what most people would agree as the magic ingredient in translating your dreams from written goals to actual accomplishment.
    HOWEVER, in almost all cases the action part is missing in most people's equation NOT because they never take any action but because they are not able to sustain their actions. Therefore some kind of tracking system is implied and necessary to keep up with your own daily output specifically to those behaviors that get you closer to your goals. I hope this helps clear out this issue.
    A great % of people with written goals DO NOT have a way to track their behavior (action). They may have a way to keep track of how close they are in terms of $ but not on daily action output!!!

    Jay
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4360678].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hireava
    Whether you writ down your goals or not, as long as your determined to achieve it then there's no problem with that. You should really do an action about it for you to achieve it. Good luck on your goals!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4360800].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WorkSatisfaction
    It is not merely enough to write down your goals. You should also have a burning desire to achieve those goals.

    What I find more crucial than writing down the ultimate goal is actually breaking down the process into smaller more manageable tasks or steps which can be completed realistically on a daily/weekly/monthly basis to ensure that the final goal is indeed achieved within a realistic period of time.

    Taking daily action to work towards achieving a goal you have put down on paper will help keep you on track and will help you re-evaluate the plan when you see yourself straying from the path.

    Life is all about decisions, commitment, action and a burning desire to work towards being the best you can be with the unique resources and blessings you have been given. I believe that the greatest decision you can make on a daily basis is to commit to the process of working towards satisfaction in all aspects of your life. Find out what will make you truly happy and go for it, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised at how it all turns out!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4361278].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author naruq
      I believe it is important to write down goals and state them out loud. Here is why I say this is because what you focus on expands to your subconscious mind. In my experience, I have had success utilizing this method. You will start to take action to move toward your goal and you will not even realize it.
      Signature

      Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4361678].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author janicelou
        I agree with the "action is important" part of what you said... but the title? writing down goals is useless?? I do not agree at all..

        I personally follow this formula.. I write my goals down on index cards... i read them out loud in the morning and at night.. I also keep the cards with me through the day and read them when i have a chance.

        At one point I was not consistent in this formula but over the years I have found that the goals I have done this with have materialized much more often than any goals I did not follow with this formula.

        The key for me is to limit the amount of goals I have. I tend to keep 3 to 4 goals that I want to accomplish this year.

        I also have a list of goals I want to accomplish in 5 years 10 years and 20 years.


        Have you ever heard The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale? he has a great goal setting challenge in that audio.. simple, easy, and it works for me.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4533723].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author The Wizard of Oz
      You're winding us up, right?

      Listing your goals is only the first step of Goal-Setting, as anyone with half-a-brain would surely know.

      I really think you're just out for a bit of a sh*t-stir. And if so, why not? At least it managed to get the old keyboards tapping.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4382149].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John F Kennedy
      There seems a lot of mention about 'action taking' on this thread, here's my take.

      The purpose of writing down your goals is for many reasons but should be considered a 3 stage process:-

      Stage 1

      Firstly, so that you actually realise just what they are. Writing them down causes you to focus on them instead of just dreaming... When goal setting, be realistic. Once you have achieved your goals, you can always reset them on a higher plane. Setting smaller, realistic goals will help to keep your focus.

      Stage 2

      Now it gets exciting!

      You need to think, act, smell like you have already achieved your goals. If money is your goal, talk and act like you have it. Walk like you have it, change your demeanour to suit the new you. When you are in your car, imagine that you're driving the car of your dreams - keep yourself pumped up. Basically you need to trick your sub-conscious mind that you already are who you would like to become. The sub-conscious mind knows not what is real, only what you tell it to be.

      Read, books about successful people, imagine that you are the person that most inspires you. Watch motivational videos... Banish all negativity from your life, this could be a partner, job or just watching the news.

      Stage 3

      This is the bit that differs in opinion so much.

      Some say that you don't get your goals to become reality unless you take action. So if it is money that you want, you need to do something to make the money come, i.e a new business idea or an investment needs to be made - speculate to accumulate.

      My opinion, which I have proved to myself over and over again is this.

      If you convince yourself (trick your mind) to thinking and believing that you have already accomplished what it is you want then it will line up with you. The universe will find a way to get you what you want, every single time. You will be presented with people, circumstances and opportunity's that will make it happen for you - there is no action needed to line you up with your goals, none at all. The trick is not in the action you need take but in the acting as though you already have.

      Like I said, this works for me but what I should add it took to 2 years to hone this but once you have, it all happens at lightning pace.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4537283].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dunkinbbb
      Having your goals in your head - that little voice - is one level of reality - the mental plane. As we all have experienced - thoughts and feelings are subject to very quick - and sometimes dramatic change.

      Writing them down brings them into a whole new level of reality - physical existence - much more real and not as subject to change.

      Taking action - even just starting - brings them even more into physical reality, into the shared reality of the "other."

      An analogy: Thinking/dreaming about your ideal house, designing a blueprint and starting to build - each step more "real" and bring one closer to realizing the goal.

      Writing goals down is a helpful/sometimes necessary step in the process.

      dunkinbbb
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4561511].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Workman
    My Goals:
    1. Write a list of my goals.
    2. _____________________
    3. _____________________
    4. _____________________
    ....
    Completely agree, the action of taking the steps towards the goals you set for your self is crucial. Writing down the goals is the first of a series of steps to making it happen. If you don't even know what you're looking for, it's hard to build enough motivation to pursue it. Even if you don't find exactly what you're looking for in the end, you at least have something to work with.

    If you have a end goal in mind, it becomes much easier to fill in the gaps of how to get to that goal.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4361815].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kaysa
      Originally Posted by Workman View Post

      Completely agree, the action of taking the steps towards the goals you set for your self is crucial. Writing down the goals is the first of a series of steps to making it happen. If you don't even know what you're looking for, it's hard to build enough motivation to pursue it. Even if you don't find exactly what you're looking for in the end, you at least have something to work with.

      If you have a end goal in mind, it becomes much easier to fill in the gaps of how to get to that goal.
      That's right just the action to write your goals its useles, but it's completely necesary to write your goals to know how you'll get there by taking the proper steps t o achieve the your goal.

      So write down the goal and answer the question; What I will do to achieve it?
      Signature

      Do you want to become a successful Persuasion Master? Learn Persuasion Skills to get anything that you want in your life.

      http://getpersuasionskills.com/

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4629033].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author dasongoh
        Originally Posted by Kaysa View Post

        That's right just the action to write your goals its useles, but it's completely necesary to write your goals to know how you'll get there by taking the proper steps t o achieve the your goal.

        So write down the goal and answer the question; What I will do to achieve it?
        Exactly. Break it down further into steps to take to achieve the goal and you're already one step nearer!
        Signature
        [GET INDEXED] In Google Within Minutes...(Or Even SECONDS?) Ingenious WordPress SEO Plugin! [PROOF!]

        "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931)
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4637491].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author grisbyenterprise
      I think self help books are correct when they say write down your goals, but I also feel that it should be made clear that writing down a goal is not all that is needed. When you are trying to accomplish things, YOU WILL BECOME DISTRACTED!!! There are times when you are going to try and tackle several things at once. When this happens, your thoughts become cluttered, you loose focus, and eventually you don't accomplish anything at all.

      Writing down a goal will allow you to visually see what you need to be focusing on. By nature we tend to gravitate on focus on things we see. So in my opinion writing down your goals is important, but it's not the golden key to success. Looking at those goals everyday, saying them out loud, and focusing on them will get you from where you are today too where you want to be tomorrow.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4642170].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Porter
    In general I agree with your point. Action is key.

    I would like to throw out that I have found old goal list that I had written from years past and been amazed at how many things I have accomplished without directly making an effort to work on them. So, I think there is something to be said about the action of writing down a goal.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4362180].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bank1010
    i agree doing is the key to succeeding ... planning is good ... but without follow through ... it's just a mental exercise that doesn't yield physical tangible results
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4364244].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author The Great Gordino
      While it's true that writing down goals will not alone bring the goals, action is needed, it definitely is not useless to write them down.

      In fact I call it part of the achievement process, it's that important.

      Yes, goals can be achieved *without* writing goals down, but for people who are challenging harder goals, or have problems with focus, you get that from writing them down.

      As others have mentioned, it draws what can be a vague mental image into sharp reality, which can help plotting the next step!

      That's my tuppence worth,
      Gordon
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4378396].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vector
    Is good to write the goals down, but where? And perhaps more importantly how often do you refer to them? daily, weekly? Also, how about objectives and daily to do lists, how do you arrange them to line up with your goals?

    Jay
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4378524].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author emmndi
    I personally think that writing goals is parmount, however that's not enough you've got to have a plan on how to achieve the set goals. And in the event that you are not able to achieve the set goals at least you will always evaluate how much you have achieved.
    Signature

    backpacking in Kenya http://kenyatalii.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4379040].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sambritt
    Written goals let's me know my priorities and help me track any progress. It works well for me and it gives me direction.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4381520].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TravellingMissie
    I agree with you that action is the key and that is what a lot of people forget BUT I think that writing down goals is important and is something that I do all the time.

    It is the 1st step I always take and actually seeing the goals written down spurs me on more than if I just said - 'I want this'. It's the same as if I am writing a 'to do' list, ticking off what I have done is a big sense of achievement and feels great so makes me want to do more. I know everyone is different and just taking the action may work for some people.
    Signature
    ICF Accredited Life Coach
    Health & Wellness Consultant

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4382090].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paigelee
    i think it is still better to write it down...because in with writing you'd surely be more driven to achieve your goals.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4382220].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JustSomeWarrior
    Weighing in on this subject from experience:

    When you write down your goals it really helps you to understand what you're doing, but also why you're doing them. Goals are different from action items, too, which a lot of the posts on this thread seem to miss.

    When you write down goals it can help you to remember WHY you're doing something. But an action list will help you remember how you intend to do it.

    I do both.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4382325].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gilearn
    I think writing down goals is just a step to where you are going of course there are the other steps that you follow to completion. In my view if you do not write a goal then you do not have one or assigned one hence there is nothing to look forward to achieve. writing the goals down does not gurantee the achieving them but there is that initial acknowledgement...well that is my view
    Signature

    Domain and Hosting Services

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4534367].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author coachkat
      This is very interesting that this subject has been brought up.

      I agree with the fact that the action of writing your goals down IS important and it DOES make a difference. The mention of the Yale University studies do make a point that those who wrote their goals down were more willing to take action on them.

      Also, from what I have studied about the function of the brain and learned over the past few years from various studies, is that the act of WRITING something down makes the thought pattern travel through a different neuropathway of the brain, activating and stimulating the memory centers and creative centers of the brain.

      So, there IS a lot of merit to writing things down, especially goals.

      Now, the second part is how writing your goals down provides clarity on what actions to take on them.

      You also mention "The Secret" as a self-help program that doesn't tell you to take action...did you watch or listen to all of this program?

      OF COURSE it tells you to take action. The three steps of the law of attraction are:

      1. You ask
      2. The Universe Answers
      3. You allow/receive

      Okay...the third step is getting yourself in alignment with what the Universe answers...this means, as Jack Canfield talked about, as well as James Rey and many others on the DVD, taking action on your thoughts and inspirations, as well as writing the ideas that come to you down, is key to getting the third step right.

      So, thought I would share these insights with all of you for further reflection.
      Signature
      Katheryn L. Olsen aka "Coach Kat"
      Self-Mastery Coach For Entrepreneurs
      Transformational Public Speaker
      http://www.SuccessOrSabotage.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4534442].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author benzwm02
    Always keep focused on yoru goals, even if you have to write them down!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4535022].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Emmanuel C
    writing down goals helps if you actually implement a plan to achieve it. If not, just writing goals for the sake of it won't help at all.

    It also depends on phases in your life. There's some phases you will write down goals and you will actually implement your plan and achieve everything you want.

    There are other phases or goals can be more of a pressure than anything else. At least that is my experience. I clearly remember setting goals and having this pressure to accomplish them, sacrificing what is more important to me, health or family.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4536417].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OhSusanna
    I firmly believe that writing them down and/or reciting them verbally will make a big difference. It's a matter of believing and achieving.

    If you have an actually business plan, you should read it over to make sure that you are staying on course.

    I'm not much of a writer as I am a speaker. So I do say my goals out loud and proud
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4536446].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rbates
    We are all aware that thinking without doing accomplishes ZIP! The biggest mistake that so many people make is to take on way too much. If you have a large, long-term goal, then you MUST break it down into small parts for it to be achievable.

    The goal setting process, as has been mentioned, is to know where you are at, where you are going, and an approximate time limit. Goal setting is nothing more than filling out a personal Business Plan, only not quite as complicated (though some people make it so). I do think that if a person is highly organized and motivated, that many goals can be reached without the almighty goal setting process getting involved, but for most of us, myself included, I sometimes need to see just what I am doing get put down on paper.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4536540].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamesboulay
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post

    A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

    Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

    i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

    Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?

    I personally disagree, I've had the opposite happen to me where writing a goal down helps me to remember it between meetings, negotiations, contract signings, etc.

    One thing I do is hold myself accountable which is sort of taking steps but on steroids. If a goal means something enough to myself I'll make myself a promise and hold myself accountable.
    Signature
    MEGA ($50k in prizes) launch happening April 1st

    Click here to check the details on this evergreen launch

    Want free and solid business tips? Check out my site, Niche Assault Ammunition
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4537616].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author scsheldon33
    Writing down your goals plus the right attitude towards attaining it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4547259].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ekky
    Have goals, use them to motivate you and make sure they are still relevant (I check back to mine daily). I get much more achieved this way.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4548419].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    What you have written and can see, you will believe. I labored for many days-or shall I say dilly-dallied. Now, each day I write a schedule-so I know when I will focus on my business.

    A written goal is a contract with yourself. One can go with an unwritten contract. But, a written contract is more concrete.

    Yale class of '53-the 3% with written goals outearned the other 97%, when checked 20 years later. Tell me written goals don't make a huge difference.
    Signature
    David Sneen
    It's what you do when no one is watching
    that determines what you will be able to
    do when everyone is watching.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4549758].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Richard Dominguez
    I believe writting goals are important because they remind you to stay on track and keep working towards your goals.

    A goal not written is only a wish.
    But then again as you said, if you don't take action then there is no point in writing it down as it won't happen.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4550148].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Newview
    Personally, I believe it is important to have an outline. Starting with where you are right now, how you want to proceed, and ending up with achieving your final goal. It is a three step process. In business, I have seen many people so obsessed with planning, that they never get to the action part to make take the plans and make them into a reality. Others jump in head first without doing the initial proper steps of research. So, once the three steps are clearly defined in my mind, the rest is just working at it. Put thoughts into action, and taking the action to achieve the ultimate goal. For me, no further list writing is needed. Others may need to be a bit more focused, and this helps them in their daily journey. So in the end, I guess it is a personal choice based on what works for each person.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4560961].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author shanaooi
    Identify your 'WHY' first - when you have a reason especially those that can make you cry, then you will subconsciously set a goal and do whatever it takes to accomplish them. Knowing your why is critical...and set realistic goal.

    Thanks guys for all the sharing..I love it!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4561131].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chad Markus
    I don't write goals.....but i find it very helpful with daily "to do" lists....keeps me motivated through the day
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4592334].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author The Great Gordino
      Originally Posted by Chad Markus View Post

      I don't write goals.....but i find it very helpful with daily "to do" lists....keeps me motivated through the day
      Isn't a 'to do' list writing down goals? It's just on a smaller scale, but the effect is the same.

      In fact the biggest goal can be broken down until the very next step to be taken can be written down.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4594067].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kelsy Scott
    I had a friend once tell me about a 'vision board' where you make a collage of things that make you happy and what your goals are. Then you hang it somewhere visible to you everyday which in turn keeps positive thoughts and your goals fresh in your mind. This way you see them everyday which makes you want to achieve them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4592370].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author taniharjo
    Writing goals with their own time frame (daily even hourly) and take action to complete them
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4593577].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Allan Leadbetter
    I like to write down goals as I really believe it works but its true it wont be enough if all you do is write them down and hope they will come to you! you need to take action alongside the goal setting visualization and anything else you would do to help you acheive your goals
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4593652].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Franz Regan
    For me, it is very important to write down the goal. The reason is to keep myself motivated to working. Write it down on a paper and stick it to the wall or whatever that let you to see your goal everyday when you do your work.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4593763].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RokDot
    This reminds me of the quote I posted.
    If you want something, go get it. Period.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4594086].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author escortbrisbane
    Hi! My name is Jenny and I am a blogger and new here. Keep in your mind and heart that people will know you for what you've done, and not for what you plan.

    cheers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4594105].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author The Great Gordino
      Originally Posted by escortbrisbane View Post

      Hi! My name is Jenny and I am a blogger and new here. Keep in your mind and heart that people will know you for what you've done, and not for what you plan.

      cheers
      Hi Jenny, welcome to the forum!

      People do indeed know others for what they've done, but this thread is more about providing help so that people *can* get things done.

      Sometimes writing goals can help with procrastination or information overload, meaning the end result is getting more done than they may have done otherwise.

      Cheers,
      Gordon
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4594214].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author KevinBolty
        Well, it depends of your personality. For me writing down all of my goals (and also keep them in mind all the time) is crucial to succes. Withouth this I would be lost in IM world, really.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4594619].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author charidemos
    Writing down goals is just a mean to an end. For me, it doesn't work that well. I get more pumped up by looking at some pictures in the morning rather than writing them down, even though it takes a few minutes only. I am more motivated now than I was in the past, when I was writing them down
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4594648].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Scott Skinner
    Agree magnates!. Stop writing down goals and get your head out of the clouds! Determine your ultimate destination, sort out the steps that it is going to take to get there and then COMMIT (oh no, the "c" word) to going about the daily boring tasks it will take to reach your objective. Focus on each individual step as you are taking it and the goal will be reached.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4596909].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gearys57
    Banned
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post

    A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

    Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

    i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

    Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?
    The main this is you act on your goals, If you have to write them down first, then go ahead and do that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4597540].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author krtinberg
    I've always found writing out my goals and writing a motivational note to myself works well for me. I keep both of them on hand at my desk and I find it to be helpful in getting me through rough patches where I feel like being lazy or want to give to up.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4598523].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Carmelia Brown
    Writing down a goal it self is not enough, writing down with plan to achieve is far more beneficial. I think writing down goal is better than not writing it all..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4607823].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zenaida
    Not writing the goals is just like sitting in the cab and asking the driver to take me where ever he wants !
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4608591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author uebomoyi
    I kind of disagree because I feel there are a couple of things that come into play when it comes to writing down goals. Perhaps it was the difficulty of the goal which may have thrown you off. I use to write down goals where I would basically say something like: By July 15, I want to make $100 online. That's not enough and it's not specific. I didn't even have a subscriber, how am I going to make a sale? What am I going to be doing to make a sale? There are a lot of questions we don't ask ourselves when it comes to writing down goals and I believe you really have to get down to the nitty gritty details in order to achieve them. You need to start with realistic, easy, achievable goals like: today I will make 10 posts in the warrior forum-- 5 posts in the morning and then 5 at midday. I know it sounds like a small goal but that's where you have to start and then simply scale it up slowly. You don't want to profress something you haven't critically thought out yet.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4608628].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pronetwriter
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post

    A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

    Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

    i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

    Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?
    I agree with that position but I also believe that writing down your goals and keeping them in a visible place is a good way to encourage yourself to achieve them.Just try and write the goals and also include the strategies you intend to employ in achieving them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4612395].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joekyut
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post


    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?

    I agree with your statement and Goals with no action equals disaster
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4617749].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lannacy
    i don't write down my gole, i keep it in mind, nobody knows before it comes true.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4626321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Spastabetic
    I think if truth be told there will be an equal amount of successful people who DO write goals etc. and who DON'T do any goal setting and just go for it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4628539].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author salomeh
    I agree with Workman
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4637443].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aviator Joe
    I disagree, even the act of writing them down makes them more tangible
    Signature
    Are You Serious About Affiliate Marketing?

    If You Are SICK of Being Stuck in the Affiliate Rat Race, CLICK HERE
    By Professional Marketers. For Professional Marketers.
    Got this product All I can say is WOW
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4641901].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author addison84
    Originally Posted by magnates View Post

    A fellow warrior just posted about writing down goals and I thought i share my personal experience and see if any body else out there agree with this

    Personally , i don't think writing down the goal is so important to achieve it

    i have read lots of self-help books that have encouraged me to write down goals which i did but that not enough

    Lots of the goals i had written never came to be

    It is not enough to write goals , you must also take steps to completion

    You can write down goals until you are blue in the face but if you do not take steps to achieve it is a waste of your time and efforts

    Do you agree or disagree ?
    I don't agree with you. When i start any work i make a chit containg the today's goals and put the signature at the end.

    Ok, it's true that sometime people fail to achieve goals. it doesn't matter.
    It's main purpose is to concentrate and plan daily tasks. that's enough for me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4641929].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hitmobi
    Often people start out with outrageous goals. I think that's a part of the problem. Start small and start growing fast. You wont let yourself down and you always feel good if you reach your goal.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4642010].message }}
  • Personally, writing a list of goals helps me focus. It's weird, if have it written down, everything gets clarified and it clears my mind from trying to track of every detail
    Signature
    Reverse Engineering Faro, Romer, & MicroScribe
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5041038].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Reno Van Boven
    I believe a goal is merely a dream until it has been written down.

    I always use goal setting by writing them down, it's like setting up a contract with yourself. Of course "action" needs to be taken in order to achieve goals but somehow when they are written down, they are easier to commit to and easier to achieve.

    This reminds me of a study I read about about 5-6 years ago, they conducted in 1979 with Harvard students:

    ---------------

    Why Do 3% of Harvard MBAs Make Ten Times as Much as the Other 97% Combined ?

    The answer is a simple question: "
    Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?" In 1979, interviewers asked new graduates from the Harvard's MBA Program and found that :
    • 84% had no specific goals at all
    • 13% had goals but they were not committed to paper
    • 3% had clear, written goals and plans to accomplish them
    In 1989, the interviewers again interviewed the graduates of that class. You can guess the results:
    • The 13% of the class who had goals were earning, on average, twice as much as the 84 percent who had no goals at all.
    • Even more staggering - the three percent who had clear, written goals were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97 percent put together.
    (Source: from the book "What They Don't Teach You in the Harvard Business School", by Mark McCormack - Available on Amazon)

    -----------------

    Best,

    Reno
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5042346].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JasonChoi
      Originally Posted by Reno X View Post

      I believe a goal is merely a dream until it has been written down.

      I always use goal setting by writing them down, it's like setting up a contract with yourself. Of course "action" needs to be taken in order to achieve goals but somehow when they are written down, they are easier to commit to and easier to achieve.
      I also have noticed goals are easier to commit to and achieve as a result of merely writing them down.

      And I like how you mentioned 'setting up a contract with yourself', as if this is how I see it as well.

      Plus it allows you to see which way you are heading. Without writing a goal, there is that tendency to change it or forget about it.
      Signature
      ================================================== ================
      >>>14 Top Entrepreneur Experts Show You How To Own Your Financial Lifestyle <<<
      ================================================== ================
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5042549].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Reno Van Boven
        Originally Posted by JasonChoi View Post

        I also have noticed goals are easier to commit to and achieve as a result of merely writing them down.

        And I like how you mentioned 'setting up a contract with yourself', as if this is how I see it as well.

        Plus it allows you to see which way you are heading. Without writing a goal, there is that tendency to change it or forget about it.
        That's exactly right. I believe when you write down a goal sheet with specific targets and time lines, you don't forget about it that easily.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5045180].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mr. Murf
    All I did was write just a brief outline on what my site was going to be about and now its just comes off the top of my head for updates. So The Site never stops Growing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5042632].message }}

Trending Topics