Sucess is all about adopting stubborn goals and flexible methods

The constant challenge in life, is to sift options and zoom in on what one desires. This is because change is the only constant in life and change always redefines the future. When the future is being constantly redefined, every individual is required to make course corrections. However a course correction does not mean we need to change our destination but merely the route map and mode of getting there. Of course dramatic and major changes may require one to change the goals but even then the alternative chosen would be equally important and challenging. What does not change, is the desire to reach our goal. Success and achievement in life therefore hinge on how well you choose your goal, map out your way and stick to your plans. Here is a road map to success.

Choosing the right goal – Right from school days when we have to choose the optional subjects, moving on to choosing the career path and later life goals in the chosen path we are constantly having do decide our goals. Most of the time we are confused, other times we realize our goals are beyond our capability or passion and then we have to revise our goals.

Deciding on a plan of action – If selecting a goal is challenging, choosing the plan of action is relatively simple since the goal is clear. What is important is to think thorough the plans, being clear about the assumptions and also outlining the alternative plan/s. Backup plans are vital for they provide a quick alternative should our original plans get derailed. However, there is a real danger that we can get dogmatic and fixated about our original plan and approach. This could create problems if one does not factor in the numerous changes that come about, because of the dynamic environment around.

Reviewing the progress – A plan of action is only as good as the progress one makes using it. It is imperative therefore that one constantly reviews how one is progressing and make adjustments for the deviations if any. All plans must have milestones and timelines and wherever possible assumptions based on which the milestones and timelines have been set. These will provide the yardstick for reviewing the progress.

Revising the plans – This is extremely difficult because we have to first acknowledge that we have slipped on our plans. Secondly it could also suggest that our plans were not well thought out. Thirdly it could imply we have to relook our personal competence and commitment as also keep us wondering if our goals are too ambitious or if we have the capability to execute our plans and realize the goals. Despite these self doubts and apparent set back, we have to look at revision of plans as a necessary detour to get back on track.

Continuing the journey – Whether we continue with our original plans or move on with the revised plans, what is important is to keep moving on. Sometimes we are bogged down by frustration, the slow progress, our inability to cope with pressures and setbacks; these are times when we are tempted to give up and stop. Focused and well directed efforts are never wasted but the progress and results may not always be visible. Faith is what will sustain and help one to push ahead no matter what the constraints.

Enjoying the success – Since success will eventually come to those who believe in their dreams and goals, it essential that one learns to relish and enjoy success. Many a time, even when we reach the destination we are reluctant to appreciate and recognize that we have pursued and attained out goal. This is partly because along the way, we have lost hope or because we undervalue our success by comparing it with the achievements of others or because we have reset our goals to much bigger and loftier ones. While resetting goals, especially aiming for loftier goals is commendable, not valuing achievements would be like eating bland food for mere sustenance.

Try these:

Go back and review your New Year Resolutions. How far have you succeeded? It is half way through the year and have you a list of things which you have not even started work on? Is it because you didn’t write down the action plan to achieve them?
Choose one of the following as your major area of concern and write down the goal you hope to achieve this year so as to minimize your concern. Also outline the road map with timelines to help you attain it. If you already have a plan review it and make changes if needed to speed up the process of attaining your goal.