Goals 2008: Action Plan

Goals: Time Management

Goals: Crystalize your thinking.

In our last couple of posts we have talked about "to do lists" and "short term goals".

We have briefly discussed how "to do lists" in many cases link or connect to "short term goals."

To do lists are generally daily or perhaps weekly. Short term goals could be weekly, monthly or perhaps quarterly.

Long term goals are set for an extended period of time, most likely 6 months or more into the future. You can establish long term goals for 6 month increments or set goals for each year and perferrably link the direction of all goals to the very long term of 3, 5 or 10 years.

Review mentally what you want to achieve today, this week, this month, by mid 2008 and beyond. What will it take on your part to achieve these goals? What is your plan of action to achieve your different goals?

Now that you have brainstormed your wishes and desires regarding what you want to achieve individually, as a couple, as a family, at school, professionally or in your business, you need a road map. It will help you track where you are going, how to get there, and a way to periodically check to see if you are on the path or if you have taken a detour and need to get back on course. The best of plans may on occasion need fine tuning or correction as the journey progresses.

Paul J. Meyer of Waco, Texas, once indicated the best way to set goals and track progress is to crystalize your thinking. After brainstorming and discussing ideas about your goals, formalize what you want to achieve. Be specific, spell out your goal or goals. Write your goals down. Then get to the task at hand. Work your plan.

It has been said, " if you fail to plan then you plan to fail." Start today by planning your successful future, 2008 will soon be upon us.

Time Management: Short Term Goals

In our last posting we spoke of " To Do Lists". To do lists help focus on daily or several days of must do items. To do lists can be effective in getting things done.

At the end of each day your to do list should be reviewed to see what tasks or items were started, advanced to completion or not even touched. Once you have reviewed your progress compare your actions to your short term goals for the week, month or the quarter.

How are you progressing toward your short term goals or objectives? You do have them I presume? What are they? Does the"to do list" effect your short or long term goals? To assess your progress on your short term goals write them at the top of your "to do list". Check your progress, evaluate, rework, recommit, and have at it for another day, week or month.

I like to keep a list of 5-7 short term goals on my "to do list." I place them at the top of the page, and on the bottom of the page I list 2-4 of my long term goals.

If these time management suggestions are followed, you will be surprised at how many short term goals will be realized. Over time you will be able to achieve many long term goals.

It was once said, "the longest journey begins with one step." Take it and take it now, don't delay. Use the "to do lists" in tracking your short term goals.