How to set GOALS to get what you want: 7-step formula

Summary

The transcript outlines a seven-step formula for setting clear and effective goals. It emphasizes the importance of deciding on specific goals, writing them down to solidify commitment, setting deadlines to avoid procrastination, listing necessary actions, organizing them into a prioritized plan, taking immediate action, and maintaining daily progress towards the goal. The summary suggests starting with a list of 10 goals, selecting the most impactful one, and following the steps to achieve it, ensuring continuous movement towards success.

Takeaways

• 🔍 **Clarify Your Goals**: Decide on what you want and make sure you have a clear understanding of your objectives and expectations.
• 📝 **Write It Down**: Putting your goals on paper solidifies the commitment to yourself and makes your goals tangible, leading to more effective achievement.
• ⏰ **Set a Deadline**: Assign a time frame to your goals to avoid procrastination and to give them a sense of urgency.
• 📋 **List Actions Required**: Break down your goals into specific tasks that need to be completed to achieve the main objective.
• 📈 **Organize Your Plan**: Prioritize and sequence the tasks you've listed to create an actionable plan.
• 🎯 **Visualize Your Plan**: Use visual tools like diagrams to map out your plan, making it easier to follow and execute.
• 🏃 **Take Action Immediately**: Start working on your goals as soon as possible, even if it's just a small step.
• 🔄 **Daily Progress**: Make a habit of doing something every day that brings you closer to your main goal, no matter how small.
• 📉 **Avoid Low Value Tasks**: Focus on tasks that contribute to your goals and avoid wasting time on activities that don't add value.
• 📉 **Prioritize Correctly**: Ensure that your ladder of goals is leaning against the right building, reflecting the correct priorities.
• 📊 **Evaluate and Select**: From a list of 10 goals, choose the one that would have the most significant positive impact on your life and focus on it.

Q & A

What is the first step in the seven-step formula for setting goals according to the transcript?

The first step is to decide specifically what you want. This could involve self-reflection or discussing your goals and objectives with someone, such as your boss, until you have absolute clarity about what is expected of you and the order of priority.

Why is it important to be clear about what is expected of you before starting a task?

Being clear about expectations is crucial to avoid wasting time on low-value tasks. It ensures that you focus on what is truly important and prevents you from doing something well that need not be done at all.

What does the author mean by 'thinking on paper' when writing down goals?

'Thinking on paper' refers to the process of putting your thoughts and goals into writing, which helps in making an agreement with yourself. It adds value and tangibility to your goals, as opposed to just having them in your mind.

How does writing down goals impact a person's ability to achieve them?

Writing down goals makes them tangible and requires clear and conscious thought about them. People with clear written goals can accomplish 5 to 10 times as much as those who only keep their goals in their thoughts.

What role does setting a deadline play in achieving a goal?

Setting a deadline for a task ensures that it is not procrastinated. It provides a specific timeframe by which the goal should be achieved, which helps in prioritizing the goal and avoiding delays.

Why is it necessary to list down everything you have to do to achieve a goal?

Listing down everything you need to do helps in understanding the steps required to achieve the goal. It allows you to break down the goal into manageable tasks and ensures that you do not overlook any necessary actions.

How should you organize the list of tasks needed to achieve a goal?

You should organize the list by priority and sequence. Decide what needs to be done first and what can be done later, and lay out your plan visually, such as using boxes and circles on a sheet of paper.

What is the significance of taking action immediately on a plan?

Taking immediate action on a plan is important because it prevents procrastination and gets the process started. Even an average plan executed vigorously is better than a brilliant plan with no action taken.

Why is it important to do something every day to move towards your major goal?

Doing something every day, even if it's a small action, ensures continuous progress towards the goal. It helps in maintaining momentum and prevents the goal from being neglected or forgotten.

How does the transcript suggest summarizing the seven-step goal setting process?

The transcript suggests summarizing the process by writing a list of 10 goals for the next year, selecting the one with the greatest positive impact, and then setting a deadline, planning, taking action, and doing something every day towards that goal.

What is an example of how to apply the seven-step formula in a practical scenario?

An example would be to write down a goal such as 'I want to earn X dollars per month' or 'I want to weigh X pounds/kilograms', then select the most impactful goal, set a deadline, plan the steps to achieve it, take immediate action, and continue with daily actions towards the goal.