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The 3 Biggest Secrets to Manifesting S.M.A.R.T. Goals
- You approach each new year, quarter, month, and week with the most ambitious intentions.
- You set goals, get pumped up by reading inspirational content, and even take some sort of action the next day, but as time goes on, the motivation wanes, the actions cease, and the goals you’ve set become a distant memory.
Did you nod your head? Don’t worry, I feel you, sis. You are not alone. Before I became obsessed with personal growth and development, I was unknowingly setting goals that weren’t so S.M.A.R.T. or intentional, and then when they failed to come to fruition, my response was,
“Oh…well I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.”
It was such a copout, but I’m passed that now. I was doing a number of things wrong back then, but since, I’ve learned a thing or two about setting and manifesting Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely goals.
I began to adhere to the S.M.A.R.T. goal formula, ensuring each goal fit the S.M.A.R.T. criteria, and that’s when I began to see drastic changes. I went from achieving NONE of my goals to achieving SOME of my goals in no time, but it still felt like there was something missing.
I was writing them down of course, because studies show you are 10x more likely to achieve a goal you’ve written down, so that wasn’t it.
So, what the hell was it!?
Over time, I read countless books on manifestation and the Law of Attraction, and one day it just clicked! I felt like I had unlocked a whole new level to this goal-setting game. I uncovered the three secrets that helped me go from manifesting SOME of my goals to manifesting MOST (if not all) of my goals.
SECRET #1:
Write your goals down in the PRESENT tense using POSITIVE language
I’ll take a wild guess and say no. The reason why I feel so comfortable in saying that is because every single time I’ve asked someone to tell me their goals, it is instinctive and borderline second nature for them to respond to me in the future tense. There’s nothing wrong with this, except it lacks ownership and faith IMO.
Example of typical SMART Goal:
Notice the word “will” implies it is something that has not yet happened, but the intention is there.
Notice the word “lose” has negative energy about it. We typically use the word when we’ve lost something or someone or have lost control over something. A word like that has no place in a goal statement.
Example of SMART Goal with Secret #1 Applied:
Notice the shift in the energy surrounding this goal!!
SHHHIIITTT!! I’m like Yaaasss sis!! YAAASSSS! Own that!
There’s so much ownership here because we’ve replaced “will” with a present tense to be a verb.
Notice how using the word “lighter” as opposed to the word “lose” gives the statement a more significant meaning.
When I began to reframe the way I stated my goals on paper and out loud, I began to take more ownership of the promises I was making to myself. I also activated the power of cognitive dissonance and that alone was extremely powerful in manifesting my goals.
SECRET #2:
Add a clear action statement to the end of every goal and become PREDICTABLE and PROACTIVE
“I SAID NOTHING KILLS A PLAN FASTER THAN A PLAN WITH NO ACTION.”
When you place an action, a way forward at the end of your goal statement, you inform yourself and others of what they can expect from you as you pursue the goal. Once that action becomes a non-negotiable piece of your routine you become PREDICTABLE in the best way!
Example of a SMART Goal with an action statement applied:
Notice how the goal statement becomes actionable and believable because I’ve provided a roadmap to display exactly how I will get there. See this is what separates real goals from pipe dreams!
My grandma used to always say, “Kierra, when people SHOW you who they are, believe them.”
She emphasized the “show” because she understood the formula: Action > Words.
It’s not enough for us to claim our goals verbally, we must produce the blueprint we’ll use to get us there.
Even if you can’t stick to the plan you originally laid out, the main thing to keep in mind is to always be working on a plan to move the needle forward on your goals.
SECRET #3:
Create a gratitude statement for each goal, recite them daily, & and add the PURPOSE
Why?
Because that’s your way of telling the universe that you own your goals and are grateful because you KNOW they’re coming. That faith portion is what’s going to lead you to manifest like a master! This is indeed the SECRET SAUCE.
Consider it to be the heartbeat of your goal-setting process. The moment I began implementing gratitude into my goal-setting process, it was a wrap. I had discovered the key to becoming a Master Manifestor!
Example: I am so happy and grateful that I am 10lbs. lighter BECAUSE now I feel more energized during the day and confident in my physical appearance, which leads to better health and a steady fitness routine that I can maintain daily.
Notice how PURPOSEFUL this statement is. I mean if you didn’t know my purpose for setting this goal before, it’s very clear now that I’ve stated my reasons in my gratitude statement.
The “because” part is essential because it forces you to come up with a valid reason why you want to achieve that goal.
In the pursuit of our dreams, our “WHY” must be strong enough to weather the storms of the “HOW”.
When the storm comes (and it most certainly will come) we must be armed with our WHY to reflect on so we can maintain high energy, motivation, and inspiration on the journey.
Want to know the telltale sign you don’t want to achieve the goal you’ve set? If you reflect on the “WHY” and it’s not enough to keep you going, then the goal is no longer meaningful enough to you and so you will eventually and inevitably fail. The key is to remain purpose-driven in your pursuit. When the purpose fades, so follows the drive.
How to Take A.C.T.I.O.N. on the 3 Biggest Secrets to Manifesting Your Goals into Your Life
Assess the areas of life you wish to improve.
There are 12 areas total:
1. Career/Business
2. Mental Well-being
3. Values
4. Experiences
5. Quality of Life
6. Health & Fitness
7. Emotional Well-being
8. Spiritual Well-being
9. Intimate Relationship
10. Platonic Relationships
11. Family
12. Personal Finances
✓ Create a S.M.A.R.T. Goal for each one.
Test the Goal against the 4P’s checklist:
1. Present Tense
2. Positive
3. Predictable
4. Purposeful
✓ Identify an accountability partner who cares enough to keep you in check.
✓ Own the goal by creating a gratitude statement for each one.
✓ Never go a day without reciting the gratitude statements and taking at least one step towards one of your goals.
Do this sis, do it to a proverbial “T” and I promise you will WIN.
When you’re done taking action, share these three secrets with everyone you know and love so we all can be out here living our absolute best, most fabulous lives-Please & Thank You!
Trust me! It’s a game-changer.
CONTINUE READING
5 Habits I’m Saying “Bye Felicia” to in 2021
Did you approach the new year armed with a list of bad habits to kick?
I know I did! Because here’s the truth sis,
We stay setting new goals and telling the world about all the new habits we plan to develop, but what about the shit we do that we need to STOP doing.
Most people don’t make goals to STOP doing things. They make goals to start doing things. It’s hard to add new healthy habits, when our current habits are so contradictory to what we want to achieve.
I’ve come to this realization,
In order for me to design my best life and become my best self, I have to focus on reprogramming my current thoughts and habits. There are multiple ways to do this, but I’ve decided that eliminating my bad habits will be the first step in the process.
So, without further ado, I am screaming “Bye Felicia!” to the following habits:
1. BEING MEAN TO MYSELF (BYE!!!)
Listen, the world can be a mean place as is, I don’t need to troll myself when I know there are plenty of people waiting to do it for me. Right? I’m entering into a space where people are criticized and attacked for trying to help others. Once I hit a certain level in my business, the negativity, trolls, and criticism will flood in-no doubt about it. Knowing this, I have decided to no longer act as a troll to myself. I will give myself grace. I will be kind to myself and I will treat my mistakes as lessons learned the hard way.
2. HAVING EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS (BYE FELICIA!!!)
I ain’t got time, sis. Do you know how exhausting it is to set expectations upon someone you have ZERO control over?
I have spent hours, days, sometimes even weeks being disappointed or upset about someone not meeting or exceeding the expectations I had set for them. I set myself up for let down after let down, because I expected or assumed that someone would act a certain way or treat me a certain way.
That person is not me.
That person has their own unique perspective, priorities, circumstances, etc. that will affect the way they perceive a certain situation.
It’s not fair for me to “predict” how they will act under any circumstance. The key to my happiness in 2020 will lie in my INABILITY to set expectations on anything or anyone. PERIOD.
3. BREAKING PROMISES TO MYSELF (BYE A MILLION TIMES FELICIA!!)
Realizing that I keep promises to everyone BUT myself was a hard pill to swallow. I had to take a moment to digest that. How sway!? How can I prioritize the promises I’ve made to other people over the promises I’ve made to myself? Am I not the most important person in my life? Should I not be filling my cup before pouring it into others? Years and years of wondering why my confidence always suffered at every stage of my life and I discover the answer hidden in a one-hour podcast with Ed Mylett and The Skinny Confidential.
“People who lack self-confidence break promises to themselves OFTEN.” -Ed Mylett
It was like a punch in the gut! He attacked my entire being HAHA! I laugh, but it was not funny to realize that no one was responsible for my low ass self-esteem but mySELF! Ahhhh…so THAT’s why they call it SELF-esteem. Smh. Got it. Noted! I can’t be a true woman of my word if my word is no good to myself, the #1 person in my life.
4. BEFRIENDING PEOPLE I DON’T LIKE (BYE CHILE!!!)
GONE are the days of me vying for the attention of people I don’t even like, people that don’t even like me! Self-esteem must have been low to subject myself to spending time, money, and energy on people who didn’t deserve it. I have no idea what I was thinking. That’s time I’ll never replenish wasted on someone that I knew was seasonal. How many times have you done that? No more in 2020 honey. Time is a precious non-replenishable commodity that I intend to spend much more wisely moving forward.
5. DIMMING MY LIGHT AROUND OTHERS
See, this is why feedback is so important! I would have never known I was doing this had I not paid attention to the feedback I’d received from others. I had to ask myself why in the world I would feel the need to dim my light so others could shine. Stars all shine bright at the same time. I bet they don’t shine less so the stars around them can shine brighter. That would be ridiculous. They can all shine bright in the space they occupy. So, why did I feel like I couldn’t shine when surrounded by other stars?
Well, I think it stems from years of being told I’m too bold, I’m too much, I crave attention, I need to “tone it down” a little. After years of hearing this, I began to hold back a little, allow others to shine, ask more questions, redirect conversations that were starting to become too much about me onto the person asking. I don’t regret this, because it has taught me how to be a better listener and I’ve definitely become a little humbler, but moving forward, I see no reason to censor who I am.
There’s always room in a balanced two-way conversation or interaction for everyone involved to shine.
I didn’t come to the aforementioned realizations on my own. No, I was blind to a lot of things. The personal 360-degree review that I did brought many of these issues to light.
Some of you are wondering,
“What the hell is a 360-degree review?”
Outstanding question!
In a traditional sense, it’s a review used by companies that include feedback from your peers, your subordinates, your boss, your boss’s boss, your customers, and you. Everyone has to weigh in on your performance from their perspective with the hope that it will give you a complete and comprehensive picture of how you’re showing up at work.
I learned about this kind of review and it immediately occurred to me that I could complete my own non-work-related 360-degree review to get a better sense of who I am and the steps I need to take to improve my life.
You can conduct your own 360-degree review by asking friends, family members, co-workers, classmates, your children, and yourself a series of questions related to how you show up in their life and how they perceive you. You’d be surprised what each person has to say. Be open to constructive feedback and take action where necessary.
This is one of the best ways to identify quirks and bad habits. Just be sure to ask people who respect you. The opinions of haters don’t count or matter. Self-Awareness is like currency. Go out there and cultivate. Never stop.
CONTINUE READING
7 Ways You’re Secretly Sabotaging Your Own Goals
No shade sis, no shade!
We all do it. In fact, I used to make fun of my mom all the time because she would start a “diet” every Monday and like clockwork, on Wednesday I’d catch her eating a slice of cake or some other delicious treat.
My sassy retort: “Ma! I thought you were on a diet!?”
It wasn’t right of me to laugh either because as time went on, I experienced the same kind of struggle.
#thestruggleissoreal
It can be hard to set goals and accomplish them nowadays with so many distractions; not to mention, how easy it is for us to access what we want when we want it. It’s like the world in all its technological glory wants us to fail at life!
Damn you Amazon Prime!! I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!
I empathize with the struggle love, I do, but I wouldn’t be real if I didn’t bring to light all the ways you are sabotaging your goals.
#1 YOU ARE TREATING YOUR GOALS WITH LESS RESPECT BECAUSE IT’S A PROMISE TO YOU, NOT ANYONE ELSE
Explain to me how that makes sense?
Why does our word to ourselves hold less weight than the word we give to others?
When we begin to treat our promises to ourselves with the same fervor and respect we treat our promises to others, only then, will setting goals mean something. Only then will we begin to crush our goals like a fly in the middle of summer.
#2 YOU ARE USING YOUR KIDS, YOUR JOB, AND/ OR YOUR FRIENDS AS EXCUSES AS TO WHY YOU CAN’T STAY TRUE TO THE GOALS YOU’VE SET
“It was my best friend’s birthday so of course, I had to have a slice of the cake.”
“My kids wore me out, so I had no energy for the gym.”
“I had to work overtime, so I had no time to work on my side hustle.”
EXCUSES, EXCUSES FOLKS.
When I was pledging the prestigious sorority of Delta Sigma Theta, we were tasked with reciting the following every time we fixed our lips to utter an excuse,
“Excuses are tools of the weak and incompetent, that build bridges to nowhere and monuments of nothingness, and those who specialize in them, seldom amount to anything. Therefore, we do not use excuses.”
I’ll tell you I got so obnoxious with it that every time my mom gave me an excuse for anything, I would start reciting Excuses, and every time she would slap me upside my head, but that’s what happens when you brainwash yourself with the RIGHT mantras.
They become a part of who you are.
I say all that to say, stop making excuses and start acting in accordance with your goals.
#3 YOU ALLOW ONE SLIP-UP TO GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO THROW THE WHOLE GOAL AWAY
“Well, I already had that Snickers bar, might as well just have this whole plate of pasta since I’ve already broken my diet.”
“It’s Thursday, I haven’t been to the gym since Monday. Might as well start over from scratch next week.”
When I write it out like that it sounds ridiculous, right? Okay, you slipped up.
That doesn’t mean you have to let it affect the entire week. Just get back on that horse and ride!
Oftentimes, this is a sign that the goal we’ve set is really not as important to us as we thought.
You may even want to rethink your “why” at this stage.
#4 YOU SET UNREALISTIC GOALS
“I want to lose 20 lbs. in one week like this girl I saw on Instagram.”
“I want to start an online business and make millions in the next six months because that guy on YouTube did it and his idea wasn’t even that great.”
Guys listen,
There’s this thing called S.M.A.R.T. goals. It’s an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Every time you set a goal; you should make sure it fits the aforementioned guidelines. Let’s take a very common goal for example,
“I want to be rich by the time I’m 30.”
Okay, let’s take it through the checklist:
No. “Rich” can mean one thing to you and something entirely different to someone else. So, it is important to define what “rich” means in this context.
No. We don’t even know what “rich” means so how can we measure if we’re close to achieving it?
I’m sure it would be achievable if we knew what it meant.
I’m sure it is realistic, but again, we have no clear idea of what this person means by “rich”.
Yes. We know this person wants to achieve this goal by the time they’re 30, but even that could be more specific. Do you mean by your 30th birthday? How old are you now? How much time have you given yourself in years, months, days, hours? There’s always room to be more specific. So, how do we make this goal SMART?
We can say,
“I am 27 years old. By my 30th birthday, I want to have a $300,000 investment portfolio made up of stocks and bonds in a combination of retirement and personal investment accounts.”
Now this, my friends, is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely!
#5 YOU’VE FAILED TO BREAK DOWN YOUR BROADER GOALS INTO ACTIONABLE DAILY, WEEKLY, AND MONTHLY GOALS
“I want to read 52 personal and professional development books by the end of 2020.
Okay, okay, this is a much better goal in terms of it being specific, measurable achievable, realistic, and timely, BUT it’s a big goal. It can be overwhelming to think about it this way daily, so maybe you should break it down a bit. For example,
You can commit to reading 4 to 5 books a month, depending on the length. You can break it down even further by saying you’ll commit to reading one book per week. That’s a little less intimidating, right?
Well, let’s say you have a week that’s slammed. Do you throw the whole goal away? No. You improvise.
Instead of reading the book cover-to-cover, you download an app like Blinkist that summarizes the book you intended to read in 15 minutes. Obviously, you shouldn’t resort to this for every book, but it’s another way to stay on track.
#6 YOU DIDN’T WRITE THE GOALS DOWN ON PAPER
How many times have you made goals, said them out loud, told someone about them, but neglected to actually write them down on paper (or type them up)?
This is a huge mistake and here’s why…
Research has proven time and time again the power of writing down your goals. Sarah, the founder of the Power to Reinvent wrote a really nice article entitled: Why You Need to be Writing Down Your Goals
Check out this very ugly vision board I made three years ago:
It may be ugly and unorganized, but I can tell you that about 80% of the goals represented on that board have come to fruition. How crazy is that? It works folks.
#7 YOU NEVER BELIEVED YOU COULD ACHIEVE THE GOAL IN THE FIRST PLACE
Setting goals we have no confidence in actually achieving is the single greatest way to sabotage your goal. If you don’t believe you can achieve it, why should the universe? If you don’t believe you have what it takes, it will become obvious.
Remember, there is power in words, in action, and in your intentions. The universe can smell a fraud from a mile away.
You can’t set a goal and then just pray for divine intervention before taking action!
That’s like asking God for a car, but you don’t even have a license and you don’t know how to drive.
Like what!?
That’s not how life works.
My point is to stop sabotaging your own goals. Stop getting in the way of your own progress. Yourself has enough roadblocks to navigate. She doesn’t need any more self-inflicted obstacles. If you’re ready to move out of your own way and stop sabotaging your goals and productivity, I know exactly where you can start!
CONTINUE READING
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