Driven

Wow, what a challenging year it's been!

Fraught with natural disasters, political unrest and countries on the verge of economic collapse. Media amplifies the 'noise', so we need to work extremely hard to stay emotionally balanced and focused on moving forward. As 2011 draws to a close, it's a good time to reflect on your achievements and set/reset your goals for 2012.

The month of December is commonly known as the 'silly' season because many of us just want to let our hair down and enjoy the Christmas holidays with friends and family. Setting goals may be the farthest thing from our minds. But, with so much distraction on a global level, it is essential to set goals so that we don't feel like we're adrift in a world gone 'stir crazy'.

Goals that are NOT written down will merely be good intentions. To reinforce the need to act and pursue your goals, they would have to be written down. 'Silly' season or not, I'd like to share with you the importance of writing down your goals:

• The act of writing offsets the movement and
   kick-starts the actions that turn your   
   dreams into reality.

• Setting short as well as long term goals, will fuel your motivation.

• Breaking down goals into smaller, more achievable stages will help to make them seem
   less daunting at the outset.

• It encourages you to use your skills and acquire others.

• Assists in organising your time more efficiently.

• It helps you to ignore the distractions by keeping you focused and on track.

The S.M.A.R.T goal chart has been formulated to encourage goals that are attainable. Many of my clients agree that it is the easiest and most common way to start. I encourage you to use these ideas when setting out your goals:-

Setting SMART goals

• S   Specific.
        Specify precisely what the goal will accomplish. How and why will it be accomplished?

• M   Measurable.
        Write down the details. How will you measure whether or not the goal has been
        reached?

• A   Achievable.
       Do you have the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to accomplish the goal?  
       Will meeting the goal, challenge you without defeating you?

• R   Realistic.
       It is important to set goals you can achieve. These should not be too easy and keep
       you challenged and motivated.

• T   Time bound.
        Set a completion date which in turn will create a sense of
        urgency.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
~ Maria Robinson ~

Any time is a good time to start if you have never written down your goals. Start by setting goals over a three month (long term) period. Break these down by setting weekly and daily (short term) goals. This will help you get into to the habit of easily accomplishing your short term goals. By anchoring that feeling of achievement, you will stay motivated and should be able to complete your long term goals. More importantly, you'll continue to focus on setting up the next set!

Celebrate your successes

• Set aside time to reflect on your achievements for the year. Plan the time and place,
   really emotionalize it.

• Each time you achieve a goal, reward yourself.

• Lead by example. Share the celebration of your hard work and
   achievements with close friends and family and/or your
   supportive network. Not only does it empower you, but it inspires
   others.

"Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
~ Charles Dickens ~

In closing, if you did not achieve (some of) your goals, re-establish the timeline and adjust your expectations.

DO NOT beat yourself up about it. Instead, remember to move onwards and upwards.

Best wishes from the X-Factor team. May your Christmas be merry and may 2012 be a sensational new year!

About the Author: Xen (The X Factor) Angelides is the founder of X-Factor Human Performance Systems. Xen Angelides is a Business Development Consultant, a proven veteran of the fitness industry, an accomplished educator and professional speaker. As a certified results coach and master practitioner of neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and neurological re-patterning, Xen has helped many individuals transform their thinking and performance. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or like his Facebook Fan Page.

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