Accelerating Your Goal Progress

There are lots of reasons this is a great time of year. While no reason can top Christmas itself, I also like this time of year because, if even for just a few days, more people think like achievers.

If even for a brief time, people are thinking about goal setting and how to achieve more.

Of course for many, it stops at thinking, but hey, it is a start.

For those of you reading these words though, I know you do believe in learning, you do care about your success, and you are looking for more ways to reaching your goals faster and more effectively.

You are in the right place today.

Recently, I read two blog posts from very smart people that both talk about how to accelerate your progress towards your goals.

First, about a week ago, Keith Ferrazzi wrote about an alternative to goal setting.  In this post, he talks about identifying the things that will move the needle in your pursuit of your goals.  Here’s how he defines them:

Needle movers are actions that will truly move the needle forward in your business or personal life – essentially goals that change your life fundamentally.

While I don’t agree with the premise of his post that we completely replace goals with needle movers, I believe the concept is extremely valuable.

• Needle movers will help you prioritize your efforts.
• Needle movers will help you be more intentional.
• Needle movers will help you change your actions and habits and therefore achieve new results.

What are the needle movers in your work and life?  What are the most important actions that will make the biggest difference for you?

If you are looking for a great answer to those questions, look no further than Carrie Wilkerson (aka The Barefooot Executive).  A couple of months ago. she wrote a post called One Hour A Day Will Make a Difference. Fortuitously, I read it this morning (thanks Twitter!).

In her post, she describes the process of the Power Hour — an hour of focused effort on your goals. (Her post helps eliminate the excuses and objections you are already raising.)

Here’s what I can add to Carrie’s point:

When I do this consistently in my life, I make more progress on my goals (in whatever area of life) than at any other time.

If you are looking for your first needle mover, this can be it.

Read these two posts and put them into action. When you do, your progress towards your goals will amaze you.