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The
Psychology Of Achievement

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a foolproof 12-point formula that quadruples
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Step 4 - Goal
Planning: Use Deadlines As Lifelines
When
goal planning, deadlining is another crucial step in the goal
achievement process.
Karl Kraus (1874-1936), Austrian satirist, once
gave this definition of a journalist: "A writer whose skill
is improved by a deadline: the more time he has, the worse he writes."
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Your Time

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No offence is intended toward journalists. This
satirical comment does emphasize one thing - a
deadline gets results. It creates urgency,
it sharpens thinking, it makes things happen.
Which goal planning exercise is more likely to be
achieved?
Goal 1: I would like to take a vacation in
the Bahamas sometime!
OR
Goal 2: Six months from today I will be enjoying
a vacation in the Bahamas.
Yes,
deadlines crystalize
thinking
and increase motivation
in the goal planning environment.
However, it would be a mistake to think deadlines
perform miracles.
Setting a deadline by saying, "In seven days
from now I will have made an extra $5,000" is not going to
miraculously deliver unless you have a strategy and a realistic
plan based on your present circumstances.
So when deadlining during your goal planning
sessions:
-
Break the goals down into manageable stages.
-
Work
out a reasonable time frame for the accomplishment of
that stage and factor in a safety margin for unexpected delays.
(This prevents disappointment and discouragement through missing
the deadline.)
-
Put the deadline date for each stage in your computer
planner or diary.
-
Get
the deadline date from the last stage.
Your goal planning now has a final deadline
for the accomplishment of that goal.
It
has a high chance of being
achieved.
You have planned, set reasonable stages, your
focus is clear.
Next?
Keep the overall deadline in front of you daily
as you accomplish each stage along the way and START!
Next,
Step 5: Goal Objectives: Looking
Ahead To Get Ahead With Planning
Back to Goal
Setting 20 Minute Tutorial Index
Step
4 - Goal Planning: Use Deadlines As Lifelines - Return to Top |