Goals are like fires.
They go out if unattended.
During a writing session this weekend, I re-acquainted myself with some old strategies that can help us stay focused on our goals—help us turn our dreams into reality. I have written about some of these on this blog before (https://stevepiscitelli.wordpress.com/category/words-and-action/; https://stevepiscitelli.wordpress.com/category/creating-your-future/; https://stevepiscitelli.wordpress.com/category/dreams/).
So, with a “pardon me for the redundancy” and a “tip of the cap to tried-and-true practices” here are some simple yet powerful strategies to move you toward your goals. Goals are like fires. They will go out if unattended.
- Attribution Theory. When something happens (or does not happen) consider four explanations:
- Effort. I put forth the needed effort—or—I did not put forth the needed effort.
- Ability. I have the ability/skill level to achieve the desired end—or—I do not have the ability/skill level to achieve the desired end.
- Task difficulty. The task was easy—or—the task was difficult.
- Luck. I was unlucky—or luck had nothing to do with it.
- Effort. I put forth the needed effort—or—I did not put forth the needed effort.
- P-A-I.Potential is the ability to do something. Ambition is the desire. Initiative is the drive. Potential and ambition are great—but without initiative, you won’t get far.
- Is this goal right for me?List one of your goals; something that you desire to achieve. Then ask
yourself, “Is this goal—this dream—right for me?” In short, know why you are driving toward a goal. Does it fit with who you are as a person? Do you want it (whatever the “it” is) for the right reasons? (Image above by jscreationzs) - S.M.A.R.T. This acronym has been around for a long time. It simply means your goals should be
- Specific.
- Measurable.
- Action-oriented
- Realistic
- Timely.
Video recommendation for the week
Dream Big. Enjoy the message and enjoy the music video by Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand.
“Destiny is not matter of chance. It is a matter of choice.
It is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved.”
William Jennings Bryan (politician, lawyer, and presidential candidate in 1896)
Enjoy your week!
[Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. Please pass it (and any of the archived posts on this site) along to friends and colleagues. You can also follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. If you get a chance, visit my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/stevepiscitelli) and click on the “LIKE” button. Also, if you have suggestions for future posts, leave a comment. Have a wonderful week!]
© 2011. Steve Piscitelli and Steve Piscitelli’s Blog.
The Growth and Resilience Network® 
The main thing in this that stood out the most was the music. That song hit home and I have just begun to “dream big” and I am starting to see that my chance of meeting my goal strictly relys on me 🙂
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Correct…dreams need your action to become reality. Best wishes!
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dream always is good for everyone, never it’s bad,crazy or too difficult to get it. As the song said “dreams might come true” so we all must dream and have faith, and you would see how all what you dream can come true.
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And in addition to faith, we have to have ACTION.
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“Dreaming big” is an effort you put in picking the right dream that fits you and your criteria, within time the realistic dream will come true pick as you desire and make your goal and dreams come true. Have faith in your self and hard work pays at the end.
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Faith and action can be a great combination.
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I really learned a lot from this post I really enjoyed that video too I don’t even listen to that kind of music but i really enjoyed those inspirational lyrics of dreaming big.Because I’ve dreamed big all my life and yes there have been pain brought by the disbelievers and there has been lots of obstacles standing in my way and I’ve never stop dreaming no matter what. Also after reading these encouraging words and listening to this video I know I am doing the right thing.
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I really learned a lot from this post I really enjoyed that video too I don’t even listen to that kind of music but i really enjoyed those inspirational lyrics of dreaming big. I’ve dreamed big all my life and yes there have been pain brought by the disbelievers and there has been lots of obstacles standing in my way and I’ve never stop dreaming no matter what. So after reading these encouraging words and listening to this video I know I am doing all the right things.
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Keep learning….and keep “doing” as you move toward your dreams. And don’t forget to stop every so often and “be”–reflect on your progress.
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Yes Professor P. I too have a dream. And one day I know and plan on reaching my dream. I also know that there will be some obsticals along the way but with a little courage,sweat and the knowledge that im recieving from you I know this journey will be a little easier to reach. I believe that anyone and everyone should take a shot at there dream. The best advances in our society started as someone’s dream somewhere. So to all of you out there who has a dream follow your heart,why because you never know where it may take you!
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Best wishes on your journey!
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Dreaming big is a good thing to do. The more you dream big the more you are going to work harder for that dream. There will always be obstacles in your path, there might also be your so called friends pulling you down telling you that you cant do it. Have fatih that you can reach your dream. Dont let nothing or no one tell you that you can do it.
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…and take consistent action toward the dream.
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