Shared by Dr. Dennis Perman (masters9@aol.com)


Dear Doctor,

I am amazed at the number of doctors I talk to who haven't yet 
gotten around to writing their goals.  This column should help you to 
develop the habit of using this time-tested key to achieving greater 
success.

Dr. Markson subscribes to the Maltz methodology,  that it takes 90 
days for the mind to imprint the value of your goal.  For this reason,  
he recommends that you set your goals by October 1,  so your mind 
has 90 days to "cook" them for the New Year.

I have traditionally recommended that you write your goals on 
Thanksgiving Eve.  For me,  this is a time of gratitude,  
introspection,  and appreciation for the wonderful bounty I enjoy,  
and in this state of thankfulness I set my goals for the coming years.

For the last couple of years,  I've combined these two techniques,  
writing my first draft on October 1 and refining it on Thanksgiving 
Eve,  and I think it captures the best of both worlds -- satisfying the 
left brain with the logic of ninety day imprinting,  and engaging the 
right brain by being grateful,  creative,  and loving.

And then,  there are the "New Year's Resolution" crowd,  who leave it 
all for the last minute.  But one way or another,  it's clear that 
people who write goals have a better track record of achieving them,  
so here are some quick tips on effective goal setting.

1.  Aim high,  but not too high.  Give your mind a reason to say,  
"Wow,  that would be great,  and I believe I can do it."  Learn to 
balance believability and motivation.

2.  Establish realistic time frames around your goals.  Decide in 
advance when you expect which results,  and create a specific 
sequence of action steps over that time period to hold yourself to a 
high standard of time and energy management.

3.  Frequently reconnect with your feelings about what's in it for you 
to achieve the goals.  Remember,  it has to seem worth it for you to 
work towards it.

4.  Decide that you will interpret your results as empowering 
feedback,  and use the distinctions you make to correct your course 
and shorten your learning curve.  Establish milestones along the way,  
and celebrate your victories as you reach them.

5.  As you improve your skills,  you can set more elaborate goals and 
construct more challenging plans and time frames.  Be patient,  let 
the process unfold naturally.

Don't make it so complicated!  Take a piece of paper,  and write down 
a few goals,  right now!  What is one major goal you'd like to 
accomplish -- lose twenty pounds?  Get twenty new patients?  Read 
twenty books?  Make twenty thousand a month?  Go on twenty dates?  
Take twenty days off?  Write it down.  Writing your goals begins a 
process that leads to a spectacular life -- but don't take my word 
for it -- try it yourself!

Dennis Perman DC,  for The Masters