How you put your goals into language has a huge impact on their likelihood of success. Above all, be sure your goals describe specific, measurable results (SMRs).
1. Remove all references to time and change.
Pretend you are at the completion date, the SMR is achieved, and describe how it is. This is different from, and much more effective than standing in “today” and saying how it will (might) be.
Write every SMR in the present tense, as of the completion date. Instead of “I will weigh 160 pounds on August 12,” write “I weigh 160 pounds.”
Remove any reference to change or comparisons. That means no “more,” no “increase,” no “lose.”
2. State everything positively
Remove all “not,” “end,” and “stop.”
Write “I have been breathing only clean air for two weeks.” instead of “Stopped smoking two weeks ago.”
For SMRs that are continuing activities or states, for example, “exercise for 30 minutes twice per week,” be specific about the performance period.
State exactly which weeks the activities will occur: 2 out of the last 3? All of the last 12? All are equally valid, you decide and specify a measure that describes a victory for you.
3. Banish all thoughts of how-to.
For now, consider only what you want. There’s time to work on the methods later.
Check to see if your SMR is actually a how-to for the SMR you really want.
One client had an SMR of “Eat vegetarian and visit the gym twice per week.” She changed it to “Going all day with energy and eagerness, caffeine-free.” Diet and exercise weren’t her goals, just how-tos. She got the result through a visit to her doctor and a specific treatment.
See also Managing Yourself with Specific Measurable Results, on this blog.
…see and feel and believe yourself already in possession of the money.
–Napoleon Hill
Think & Grow Rich
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