How High is Your Ceiling?

Each and every one of us has goals. The fortunate thing about goals is that we have the power to set the height of our achievement ceiling wherever we want according to our desire for success and our tolerance for the work required to attain them. Sounds pretty simple and straight forward, right? Set a goal and get to work. If only it were that simple. Fact is it could be that simple if we would only get out of our own way and "just do it" as the Nike commercial used to say.

Goal Setting and Follow-through...

Having a goal is crucial to the momentum of our personal and professional lives. One of the most basic steps of goal-setting is to start by setting achievable goals that support our objectives. Notice I didn't say to set "realistic" or "easy" goals. Those terms are entirely too vague and do little-to-nothing to provide the validation required to help us grow. Having incremental goals that lead to a defining objective — our ceiling — is an important part of the process of goal setting and goal attainment.

A Goal is Just a Goal...

A goal is just a goal...until you take the first step that sets it into motion. Be sure to set achievement milestones that allow you to gauge and celebrate the steady progression toward the goals that define you (or your objective). Each milestone achievement brings renewed insight and perspective that helps propel you toward your ultimate goal. Celebrate each milestone. After all, each achievement serves as a foothold in the progression of your journey and is worthy of celebration. Be quick to notice the personal transformation taking place in your life as the progression brings new experiences, insight, and wisdom.

One of the most critical aspects of goal-setting is consistent follow-through. Frankly speaking, we can set all the goals we want but if we don't follow through with action we may as well not set goals at all. Action is the catalyst that provides momentum. A personal transformation takes place in the midst of momentum that affirms our ability to attain that which we desire.  "You can do it" takes on an entirely different meaning when we actually know it through the affirmation of our own experiences.

Goals should never be set by the standards and abilities of other people...unless they are clearly defined as "team goals." Keep in mind, however, that even when goals are defined by a team or group, we have an individual responsibility to do our part to ensure the team succeeds.

Define Your Ceiling

How high is your ceiling? Don't ever be afraid to set GRAND goals.

Want to be the best salesperson in your organization? Want to lose weight, get in the best shape of your life and rock a body you're proud of? Declare it and set that goal. Just don't forget to kick start your quest with action, follow-through, and to mark your progress with incremental goals. These elements will validate your direction while they shape your experiences and lead you to greatness.

By the way, when you get close to your ceiling, it'll be time to raise the roof!

Until next time...

-G-

"The first step in getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." 
~ J. P. Morgan

"Set a goal so big that you know you can't achieve it until you grow into the person who can."
~ Unknown


We're proud to announce Gary's next book, set to be released this summer. FEAR is a Thief is the first in a self-empowerment series that is written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative.

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Be Yourself

Be yourself!  No regrets…

We’re often told that in order to achieve any level of success, we should follow proven formulas and logically established patterns.  Our dreams and aspirations are judged and categorized according to perceptions by those who are all-too-ready to offer advice, albeit with the best of intentions.  Typically, this advice comes from those closest to us – our parents, family, and friends.  So it goes that we’re often told how to be just like someone else in order to become an individual success.  Yet, rarely, if ever, do we hear the wise counsel of advice to just be ourselves, be different, or unique.   

I’m all for modeling when it comes to success.  After all, why re-invent the wheel or create a new process to pursuing success when proven paths already exist?  After all, the traditional routes will work and provide expected rewards.  And if that’s your desire, by all means, take the path and enjoy the journey!  That said however, there is some merit in being true to ourselves, setting aside fears, and embarking on a path of creativity, imagination and innovation.  There’s so much more satisfaction potential in that route…if you have the fortitude.  If you desire to experience a satisfaction and fulfillment few truly enjoy, reach deep and look for the true essence of your calling.  Trust me; you’ll know it when you discover it. 

Those who have discovered and acted upon their true calling or deep desires, understand it comes with an inherent personal responsibility.  Like most other things we’ve discussed in this forum, decisions must be made unilaterally with a complete understanding that no one else will care and feed for your passions like you will!  Therefore, once you make the discovery, it's incumbent upon YOU to nurture and guard your dreams and aspirations with everything you’ve got in order to see it to fruition.  As you most likely already know however, discouragement lurks around every corner and among every gesture of “good advice” to take the easy way out and follow the crowd.  After all, being different takes work, determination...fortitude.  The best way to defend yourself?

Be true to yourself.  Discover yourself.  Know yourself! 

In one of the college courses I teach, we speak about the elements of effective decision-making.  I use it to teach a decision-making process from a business perspective.  One of the best models I’ve discovered is the “OODA” Loop.  This model, originally designed by USAF Colonel John Boyd, serves as a benchmark concept originally applied to the combat operations process.  But it is a useful tool across a much wider spectrum and can be applied here as a self-analysis tool as well.  See if you can apply it as you think of how to identify and evaluate your circumstances with respect to your calling.

•  Observe
•  Orient
•  Decide
•  Act

Observe – One of the most basic, yet difficult, aspects of this process is to be still long enough to gather enough information about ourselves to be useful.  Oftentimes this requires us to quiet our minds, conduct an honest assessment of our situation, circumstances, surroundings and self-reliance capacity in order to form an overall realistic plan to achieve a desired outcome.  I mention self-reliance because this is all about your capacity and willingness to fulfill all of the steps in order to reach your goal and enjoy the fruits of your passion once you discover your innermost desires. 

A word of caution is in order here – be careful to discern the difference between a realistic discovery and fantasy.  This can sometimes be difficult to accomplish given the original blueprint of your “programming.”  Are you programmed for success?  If so, your mind will “show” you things quite easily and you'll tend to choose wisely.  If you’re not, you’re likely to be discouraged and easily give up when things get tough or obstacles present themselves.  Don’t worry though – most of us can be reprogrammed.  I’m living proof of that. 

Orient – Okay, so you think you have a pretty good idea of your circumstances, obstacles, and willingness to follow through.  Cool!  Now it’s time to orient yourself. 

A word-picture exercise may be in order here.  Draw a circle in the center of a blank page.  Put your name in the circle.  Now, choose a label that best describes your passion and place it right under your name.  I used “writer” for my label.  Yours may be actor, engineer, business owner, father, mother, volunteer, philanthropist, doctor, etc. 

Place all of the elements you require to reach your passions or calling in random circles outside your name.  Those that are easiest to reach or achieve should be placed closest.  Those that are more elusive should be placed a bit further away.  The same must be done with your known circumstances, distractions or obstacles.  Words that are appropriate for these circles are things like geography (long distance), money/funding, time, market, self-doubt, etc.  

Decide – Once you’ve oriented yourself and have collected the elements and obstacles of your circumstances, it’s time to decide on a plan of action.  This step is sometimes referred to as the roadmap step.  With any good plan we must first determine our current position (our circumstances or status) followed closely with an analysis of the obstacles we're likely to face along the way, and a clear plan to avoid or deal with those obstacles.  We must also ensure we have the necessary fuel it’ll take to drive on toward our destination (drive, motivation, fortitude, etc.). 

Act –Without action, a plan remains just that - a plan – good intentions in a dormant state.  This step of action is perhaps one of the most important and pivotal among all the elements.  Although action by itself will not guarantee success, without it, results will never materialize. 

One important element bearing inclusion with the action step is follow-through!  Make sure to stay on top of your game and be consistent in looking after your plan.  Educate yourself, defend your goal or objective, and feed your desire in order to maintain your momentum.  It's so easy to disrupt the flow of action...especially in the beginning.  Stay consistent and follow-through and you will realize your goal! 

Dare to be different…dare to be unique…dare to be yourself!  Doing so brings out the very best and stirs an emotion from deep within ourselves that is such an awesome experience!  It’s not about money.  It’s not about fame.  It’s something much more substantive.  It’s truly about recognizing our calling or desire and knowing we have the courage to act on a dream or an inspiration that will bring true happiness and fulfillment to the human spirit!  I encourage you to experience it.  You won't regret it.  

Until next time...

 - G -

"To be true to one's self is the essence of true happiness."  - G. Westfal - 

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