The new year is a common time for goal setting. But upon looking into the ledger — at the longer column of yet unattained goals — some people are apt to conclude that they might have already squandered away the first quarter of the year.
But this assessment ignores some important attainment such as wisdom gained from invaluable lessons learned during the same period. Indeed, living in a culture where get-rich-quick schemes and reality show millionaires abound, it is difficult not to feel anxious about set goals if one did not get that lucrative business contract, or did not lose at least three pounds by the end of the first three months.
So, at the start of spring, millions of citizens will have readjusted life in preparation to recapturing the goals which were slated to be accomplished in that time period; or pursue other goals that will ameliorate their current life. For by now, they would have realized that setting resolutions is one thing. Sticking to them, another.
It is said that less than 5 percent of people who set New Year resolutions truly fulfill them. For these people, this yearly ritual is cause for celebration. But for others, it can lead to frustration and disappointment.
If one finds they are struggling with their resolutions or goals for the remaining quarters of the year, it would be helpful to reassess these goals, then apply this ACE formula. It might just save the remaining three-quarters of the year yet.
The ACE Formula
For one’s goal to be effective, the goals must be attainable, credible and exciting:
- Choosing Attainable Goals – One must be capable of carrying them out. That is, these goals are not outside one’s capacity — even if additional skills need to be developed. For instance, if one chooses to learn martial arts, they should not plan on becoming Bruce Lee within three months. Rather, they should choose a level of achievement that will not be discouraging or overwhelming. If one has never studied Aikido or Kung Fu before, one should aim at mastering the basic postures, movements and the philosophy behind the art. And only after acquiring a strong foundation in these steps should one proceed to work toward attaining subsequent ranks — one belt at a time.
- Credible Goals – Choose a goal one believes they can accomplish. Every new goal by its very nature has a bit of unreasonableness built into it because one is setting out to accomplish something different from what they have in the past. For instance, if the goal is to be at the office on time each day, this may mean being there before 9:10 a.m. This goal becomes less burdensome if it is adjusted to being there between 9 and 9:03 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. sharp, thus making the goal of being on time believable.
- Setting Goals that are Exciting – One must have fun with the goals, but at the same time stretch themselves. Goals that demand one’s focused energy and mindfulness will encourage one to grow and learn in an exciting and positive way. Create goals that lead to not just tangible but also intangible benefits. For example, if one’s goal is to master a dance step, the intangible benefit there would be the physical exercise aspect, which may lead to improved health. It is very important that one is cognizant of this intangible benefit — and in every aspect of their life — any attainment of this goal will bring.
Be Passionate About the Goals
Be impassioned by the goal. This will make its attainment even more exciting thus increasing the odds of success. Vividly imagine the benefits as fully as possible; that is, experience this goal with all the five physical senses as if one has already achieved it.
William Ekpa - William Ekpa majored in Computer Science and has worked for several Information Technology firms as a consultant ever since he left ...
