This article was first published on Sales Initiative on 23rd October 2014.
My bet is that if you have been a reader of Sales Initiative for a while, you are the sort of person who is ambitious, driven and motivated by great achievement.
No doubt you’ve done all the goal setting routines and got pumped up visualising your dreams. You might have tried affirmations and put up motivational pictures by your desk. I sincerely hope these things are working for you.
I’ve read countless books on the topic of success, but I don’t recall one that covers the five tips below. Personally, I think they may be far too simple for authors to get excited about. Not me, I think these little gems will give you the potential to make giant strides towards your big goals.
- Make little goals happen faster, and lots of them. Little things are easier and faster to do. This builds momentum and fun. Set a small goal of completing 20 goals a day.
- Make room for big goals by doing all the small goals. Get done what is getting in the way of you spending more time working towards your big goal. I know you’re already busy, so where can you find the time to do more? Don’t ignore these things. If you do, they’ll soon come back looking bigger! Set a small goal of finding 3 hours a week to devote to your big goal.
- Break down big goals into lots of little goals. You know it makes sense. Big goals look, well, big. Avoid being paralysed by the enormity of what you are shooting for. Split it up and make it feel more achievable, and then get moving fast. As soon as you notice you’re frightened by your goal, set a small goal to break it down into 10 smaller goals.
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now.
💡 Benchmark your Influence: Take the Master of Influence Assessment (Free for Subscribers!)
👉 [Subscribe & Take the Assessment]
- Protect time to work on the little goals which contribute to your big goal. If you want something done, give it to a busy person. Don’t let that busy person be you. If you’re aiming for big goals, make sure you find the time and protect the time to do your work. There are plenty of people happy to make use of your talent, but save some time for yourself. If you’re feeling threatened by time, set a small goal of saying no to three things people have asked you to do.
- Focus on the little goals so the big goals take care of themselves. Your mind is easily distracted. People are shouting and clamouring for your attention. Big goals can also distract you from taking the action that will make them happen. Keep bringing your attention back to the little goals which will move you towards your big goal. Set a little goal of completing 5 little goals each day that contribute towards your big goal.
There are three things happening here:
- The creation of a habit – the action habit – the habit of getting lots of things done. This also sets up high energy and productivity.
- Progressively focusing more time on the steps that will take you towards your big goal. You don’t forget your big goal, you just keep looking for the small goals which will take you towards it.
- Focusing on the small steps will distract that mind of yours from the futility of dreaming big. Instead, you’ll just get on and do it.
Now, I have a challenge for you. Set yourself a small goal that by the end of the week you will have brainstormed a list of 100 little goals that will contribute to your most important big goals. If you can’t do this, perhaps your big goals aren’t very big at all! If you do achieve these small goals, you’ve now got plenty more to be working on, so come on, get to it!
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now..
💡 Benchmark your Influence: Take the Master of Influence Assessment (Free for Subscribers!)
👉 [Subscribe & Take the Assessment]