FOUNDATION FOR EFFECTIVE GOAL SETTING

With its array of down beat and timing options and endless layering possibilities, the complexity of Suhaila's format-- which draws so many of us in to begin with-- makes goal setting incredibly daunting!

Although there are a million productivity theories to choose from, I don’t know of a one size fits all approach to goal management. I do, however, believe that there are a few fundamental elements that lay a foundation success or failure in achieving one's goals. These include:

• Healthy motivation—keep your eye on the prize: Set your sights on what you want, not fear of not having it. Fear can be deceptively motivating, but it is unsustainable and ultimately destructive. To avoid inadvertently developing goals rooted in fear, make sure you:
• Define goals affirmatively: “I want a high level of stamina” vs. “I don’t want to run out breath half way through the choreography.” The difference is subtle, but makes all the difference in the world.
  
• Check motivation: Write down why you want to achieve a particular goal. Make sure your motivations are also not rooted in fear. For example, “I want to test level II in April because I want to attend the level III in August” vs. “I want to test level II in April because I want to be level II before Mary Rivaldownthestreet tests in August.”

• Healthy motivation is not only sustainable, but allows you to be compassionate with yourself along the way. Lacking compassion for yourself not only makes it nearly impossible to dance, but it wastes energy on the path toward achieving what you really want!

• Reality = your goals - your doubts: You have to believe in your ability to achieve your goals. You may not know how long it will take, or the path to get there, but to reach a destination you must first know you are capable of getting there.
  

You are capable- I promise! But you may not know it yet. If you call into this category, affirmations and visualizations are the two most powerful tools I know for transforming faith in one’s self. Start a habit of using affirmations and visualizations as a first step toward achieving your goal.

• Dont forget the snow ball effect: The act of setting and achieving goals, even small ones (goal “snow flakes”) creates momentum which builds upon itself, launching you even more rapidly to your big goals.
  
  
• Set SMART goals: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Setting SMART goals exponentially increases your chances of achieving desired results, and ensures that you will recognize success when you get there.

What do you consider foundational for goal setting? Do you have experience with any of these? If you have any insights that you would like to share, please leave comments below, or consider writing a guest post!