On Target

I have heard it said when teaching somebody to ride a bicycle you should teach them to look where they want to go, yet so many warn people to not run into the tree, pole, bench, pothole, etc. Focusing on the obstacles and hazards draw you directly to them but if you set your sights on the target you will succeed.

The same can be said for target shooting on the range, whether with handgun, rifle or bow and arrow. How successful would a hunter be if they were busy focusing on the beautiful trees or the path through the woods? It is necessary to focus on the target if you want to meet your goal.

When you set goals for yourself or your business do you keep your eyes focused on the target goal or do you tend to glance sideways at the task list or the obstacles that make it more difficult? Have you noticed that it slows you down or derails you when you do that? Many people create a list of resolutions each January, only to lose complete sight of any target within days.

There are a number of ways to keep your focus and I encourage you to try several to see what works best for you and I'd love to hear your ideas. Some people may be so diligent and disciplined that they live and breathe their goals...wow! For the rest of us, we can set micro-steps that are completely attainable and not overwhelming but consistent and the next thing you know you're at your target. What about the Post-It note approach where they are scattered on your mirror and office to remind you? Sometimes I will force myself to get up during commercials to take steps towards goals.

It doesn't have to be complicated, but it needs to be something you can achieve and it needs to be consistent. What do you have in your sights right now?