By: Ken Austin
Each and every one of us has a goal, whether we are looking for a salary increase or want to retire at fifty. To have a goal is not enough, the goal is simply the end result.
To truly succeed we must establish a deep desire to achieve our goal, this will keep us motivated. The easiest way to stay motivated is to visualise.
There is a huge difference between "I wish" and "I will." Daydreaming about success is likely to be counterproductive. To ensure success, even when faced with a difficult task we need to remain focused and motivated.
Consider the following statements:
"It would be nice to retire at 50"
"I am going to retire at 50"
Of course it would be nice to retire at 50, even better to retire younger. A casual comment like the first example is hardly going to keep anybody motivated. The first comment is likely to be uttered by a daydreamer, somebody who has already admitted defeat and assumes they would not be able to retire at 50. Those who would use the second phrase are also more likely to succeed.
When we talk about visualising our goals we are not referring to daydreaming. Those who visualise actually SEE, HEAR, SMELL, TASTE and FEEL the benefits of their achievements before they happen. When you visualise the benefits of achieving your goal, you will increase your chances of success. After all, you do want to achieve your goal don't you?
Many of us feel that we are far too busy to take any time out of our schedule to invest in ourselves.
Here is a simple daily task which will help you stay motivated:
You will only need a pen and a piece of paper for this exercise. Find a quiet, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed and relax. Allow yourself to enjoy the moment. Once you feel relaxed, allow your mind to drift, think about a specific goal, something you have always longed for. Imagine now that you achieved your goal TODAY, visualise the benefits which your achievement now brings you and how you feel for achieving it. If you totally immerse yourself in your achievement you will probably feel a surge of energy, think of this as motivation.
With these thoughts fresh in your mind, write down everything you felt. The feelings and emotions which achieving your goal brought you, the sights, sounds, smells and tastes.
DO NOT THINK, ACT... write EVERYTHING you feel, visualise your feelings flowing out of your pen onto the paper.
For example:
"I feel amazing, so full of energy and life. I have so much time to spend with my family now I have retired. I no longer feel trapped in my job. I can go where I want, when I want and answer to nobody but myself. Today is a great day and tomorrow will be even better. Family life is so much better now that I have more time, I love spending time with my children and they love spending time with me."
The results will surprise you, this simple task works.
The key to success with this task is practice, you can use it to motivate yourself even when performing the most mundane duties.
Let's say you have been putting off the cleaning. By visualising the benefits of a cleaner house, you are more likely to be motivated to do it rather than focusing on the task at hand.
When you approach all your goals this way, you answer the most motivating question in the world...
"What's in it for me?"
