It is that time of year when organizations develop their operational plans for the upcoming year. As well, on a personal basis, many of us will be making our New Year’s resolutions. This is a custom with a history in very practical success outcomes.
Research has shown that the probability of achieving your dreams for success and happiness increases significantly when you visualize exactly what success means to you. This is why maintaining vision boards, recording, or even posting pictures of what specifically you want is practiced by many successful people.
Goals provide a roadmap to achieve a desired outcome which involves planning, preparing, and taking specific, timely action. For a goal to become a reality, the following process should be followed.
Be focused
How often and how much time you spend imagining that you have already achieved your goal is the first key to success.  Studies have shown that the more you hold a clear picture of having already achieved your dream, or living the life you want, significantly increases the possibility of it becoming a reality. Psychiatrists have an expression:
“You will be dragged kicking and screaming in the direction of your subconscious.”
Be committed
Over the years, I have known many people who started with nothing, or had higher expectations for themselves than most people would think possible, but made it happen. That is when I discovered that for people who visualized it, wrote it down, made a plan to accomplish it, and told others about that plan – it magically transpired.
In the past, people have said about me: “Joe bites off more than he can chew – but then he somehow chews it.” You see, everyone has a dream, but very few are willing to make a plan, take the actions, and accept the consequences it takes to achieve it.
Be Clear
Another element of visualization is having absolute clarity about what it is you want. There is a direct correlation between how clearly you can see your desired goal in your mind, and how probable it is that it will actually become a reality. Visualization is the fuel that enables the powers of the Law of Attraction (as described in “The Secret”).
Be Passionate
From my experience, the hidden secret to success is unbending determination. The one common element of all the people I have studied is that at one point in their life they became emotional – angry, frustrated, or passionate.  It has been my observation that if your emotion is intense enough, and your visual image is clear enough, your goal will happen.
Maintain a Gratitude Journal
The final element of ensuring your goal setting will work is gratitude. Every day, write down at least one thing for which you are truly grateful. It is better if you do this as soon as you wake up, because it is during this time that your brain is most susceptible to outside suggestion.
Please note the difference between a resolution and a goal:  A resolution is more of a personal aspiration, a firm decision to do or not to do something. A resolution is something you will constantly be working toward. A goal, alternatively, is the object of your ambition to achieve a stated result.
My question for managers:
Do you take the time to help your employees establish a plan for the coming year and support them in creating a personal roadmap to success and happiness?
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