ETP Manhattan

Where have you been? Where are you going?
by J. R. Renard
email pcman.jrenard@gmail.com

Like the backward and forward looking Roman god Janus (for which the month January is named) this is a time of the year we take stock of what we have accomplished and where we think we are going to be heading. However, beyond a few spoken, half-hearted resolutions to incorporate change, the vast majority of us let time and habits determine our destination. Far too many people wind up in situations not of their choosing. So the question to ask yourself is "If I don't know where I am going, how do I know when I get there?"

Everybody has goals. What you think or feel, you generally do. If you are hungry, you eat. If you want money, you work. If you are bored or lonely you fill your time and attention with people or distractions. But what about the BIG stuff you want to be, do or have?? For that kind of achievement you need goals that cut through the day to day needs and distractions and half-hearted resolutions of the New Year.


What kind of BIG stuff?? Well that is up to you. But it all starts with a pen, paper and some dreams. A GOAL is nothing more than a dream with a DEADLINE! Believe me, it pays to write them down and review them EVERY day. The only way to create the future you desire is to take action in the present. NOW is the moment of effectiveness where you are either moving towards your goals or not. So instead of drifting around in the sea of life, why not set a course for the destinations of YOUR choice?


Here is a brief, yet effective method for accomplishing this:

1. Write down your dreams, wants and desires in the following format:I must (be, do or have) [insert the situation, or object of desire here].This is not the time to be wishy washy. Tell the universe what you want and its already in the works. Read up on "The Secret" or "The Law of Attraction".

2. Take each "I must" dream statement and make them SMART. There is a lot of info written about

S - Specific - the universe hates generalities. The more detail you can write about your goal makes it more real to you. So use your imagination and describe it detail.

M - Measurable - How many?, How Big? How Much?? Whether its a Cholesterol score or money in the bank... Whats the
number?

A - Action List - What are the steps you need to take in order to achieve your dream? This will change and might not be clear in the beginning. But as you start on the journey it becomes clear what is needed to do.

R - Relevant - Do I really want to do this? Does it conflict with my values and beliefs? How is it related to my other dreams? In other words -- What is your WHY for doing this?? Another hard question that needs to be answered. If you don't believe in the dream, you won't want to work on it.

T - Time Bound - When do I want this goal? What is the schedule of accomplishment. If you don't have a deadline, all you have is a wish.

3. Review these goals EVERY DAY!!! Have them in your planner or in your pocket or someplace handy. The "noise" and events of the day will distract and delay and push you off course. Take some action on your goals everyday for NOW is all you have to make some change.

In closing remember:

Yesterday was History. Tomorrow is a mystery. But Today is a Gift. That's why they call it the Present.

Now, make something Happen!!

Labels: ETP Member Spotlight, Take Action TODAY