The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

Today is the third day of December. Isn’t amazing that we are at the beginning of the last month of 2013, and the familiar holiday hustle again lurks around the corner. In an ideal world, logic would suggest that at this point in our goals journey, we would be making our last lap around the bend, trekking feverishly towards the finish line to achieve the goals we set for this year.

Ideal, however, is the exception. Fact is we live in a world of habits and habits being what they are most people are nowhere near the finish line. Even worse, many have forgotten what they actually set out to achieve for 2013.

While this may be a bit upsetting for some, the reality is setting a goal is one thing, setting a plan as to how that goal will be realized is as they say, a horse of a different colour.

One key point to consider is that so-called New Year’s Resolutions are just a fad, which quickly turns to dust as people come to terms with the realities of everyday life. In addition, many people resolve to achieve certain goals without unravelling their capacity to deal with the changes necessary. Rest assured that without a clear understanding of your capacity to change, those annoying habits of distractions would continue to derail and delay your success.

Now that you are here, at December 2013, how do you remedy the habit of just talking about goals and instead, transition towards goal-realization? How do you do your goals differently? You must be clear about your capacity and capabilities in order to give yourself the best chance to realize your goals.

Chief amongst the reasons why so many people say but never do is the lack of confidence in themselves and inability to focus. We live in a world where many are addicts to distractions. The myriad of technology gadgets alone can create a firestorm of distractions that you need to know how to navigate.

Having a goal means going or strategically moving towards a specific target or outcome. You must know for sure what it is that you want to achieve, but more than this, you must wrap your head around the reason why it is important. Unless you have a motivating reason why you want it, your goal will remain elusive at best.

Another real factor why many goals get set but are seldom met is the lack of motivation. Your motivation factor becomes your goal attractor. There is no action without motivation. People move according to their motives e.g. we eat and drink because we are motivated by hunger and thirst. We’ve all heard about those infamous ulterior or concealed motives. As it relates to your goals, you must clarify your motives and take hold of your motivation. Fail to do so and your goals will remain adrift along the waters’ edge.

Some may say this all sounds easy as pie. And to some extent, this is true, it does sounds easier than it really is. Until you can master your habits, achieving your goals will be a challenge. The inspiration here though is you have the power to choose what it is that you want for your life. Look up some of the most successful people in the world and the common thread amongst them, is that they set goals for their lives. Without goals – nothing happens. You cannot determine if you are going or coming as we say. Yes, there will be challenges, but there will also be successes.

As you come to terms with the answer to today’s question, consider your possibilities for 2014. What do you want to achieve come December 2014? How will you assess your capacity? Moreover, what will be your strategy to for doing your goals differently?

If you are interested in doing your goals differently in 2014, please send email to goalsdifferently@gmail.com. By taking action and joining the Do Goals Differently Program, you are already well on your way to ensure that come December 2014, you will be better able to answer today’s question.

Make today the day that you take the lead to think, act and move differently towards the realization of your goals. Now is the perfect time to shift your life paradigm.

• Your feedback has great value; please write to coaching242@yahoo.com or text 429-6770. Michelle M. Miller is a certified Life-Coach, Leadership Expert, and Host of the Radio program – Men & The e-Factor. www.taketheleadbook.com