Life Planning and Positive Mental Focus

"If you can think it, you can accomplish it."
This statement is accurate, and experience has taught me some brutal truths regarding its implementation in my life.
 
Number 1: It requires more than just thinking; it requires the "correct thinking," which can be a challenge. True enlightenment/learning is defined as the ability to rise above the limits of your own thinking. You are not limited in your ability to solve problems; you are limited because you cannot stop thinking the way you have always thought. It's not just "thinking," it is the "correct thinking" you seek.
 
Number 2: There is also a small challenge with the "IT." You will find difficulty giving the correct thinking to a goal that is not clear and well defined, and clearly defining your "IT" can stop you before you begin.
 
Outlined below is an exercise I recommend if you are having trouble setting and reaching your goals. Regardless of the size or importance of your goals, it is possible to achieve any of them if you can answer the four questions listed below.
 
One other consideration before you begin. I found the word "goal" is a negative word to some - I cannot remember many pleasant experiences with goals.  Mostly it reminds me of what others want from me or want me to accomplish.  I found by simply changing the word to a more natural childlike expression, such as "aspiration"  -  what I really aspire to achieve  -  made it more compelling.

There Are 4 Essential Questions You Must Answer to Achieve Your Greatest Goals
 
Question 1.  What do I want to happen?  The Aspiration!
 
This is your aspiration. It must be very specific. It must include times, dates, colors and numbers, whenever possible. An aspiration is only a dream until you place very specific measurements around it ... visualize it as though it was already yours; be extremely clear whenever possible. Consider your excitement and the emotions you will have once the aspiration is achieved. Review it daily at least three times.  Read the aspiration aloud to yourself each time.

Question 2.  Why do I want it?  The Commitment!
 
This is your commitment. Simply stated, if the "why" is big enough, nothing will get in the way. Commitment is the part of you that says, "I will take the necessary risk to achieve my aspiration." Risk is defined as letting go of something you are certain of to take hold of something you are less certain of, but believe will be much better. Commitment means that you are willing to go through the necessary sacrifice; you are willing to do the hard work first to gain the reward later.
 
Question 3.  What changes, plans, advanced knowledge or new acquaintances must I make to have this happen?   The Strategy!
 
This is your written strategy, putting together a workable, achievable plan with tactics for step-by-step action, including the dates, people involved, budget, tools, knowledge and conditions that must be met in order to achieve your aspiration.  You should put your plans on a 30 and 90 day calendar - if you cannot hit a 30 or 90 day time frame, it is not likely you'll reach an aspiration that exists further out.
 
Question 4.  What is keeping me from beginning?  The Self-Limiting Belief!
 
The response you give yourself at this point is your very own personal self-limiting belief, head trash or negative thinking. As John Miller says in his book, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, it will typically take the form of blame (who is getting in the way), procrastination (when something else happens first, I'll start) or victim thinking (it won't work, never does for me). The challenge is to avoid arriving at a point where you offer excuses, such as someone else will have to do something; a condition will have to exist or change before you can begin; or things just never work out for you.

You can only begin in earnest when you are able to clearly identify your aspiration; understand your "why"; set your strategy and tactics in place; and then overcome your own self-limiting beliefs. It might require a professional coach to work with you for a brief period of time to review each step carefully and help you determine which one is not working well enough to get you to your greatest of all aspirations!  Call me if I can help!

Ken Edmundson

Edmundson Northstar Companies
2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 3110
Memphis, TN 38118
v. 901.766.4560
f. 901.766.8135