Techniques for achieving goals

Goal Achievement Techniques

Did you know that, statistically, only about 10% of people who set specific goals actually achieve them? Simply declaring your intention to lose weight, earn more money, or start traveling does not necessarily lead to success. As the saying goes, don’t abandon your goals halfway. Learn how to set them correctly. The main goal-setting techniques for different personality types, characters, and objectives are discussed in this and the following articles.

How to Choose a Goal-Setting Technique

There is no universal method for setting goals, just as there are no universal goals themselves. For example, the goal of “increasing your income” can be classified as financial; however, if you plan to achieve it through career advancement, it becomes more practical and professional in nature. Consider another example: if your goal is to start a personal blog, you might simply want to share your thoughts with the world. Yet if you view the blog as a potential income source, the goal becomes financial.

Depending on the nature of your goal, you can select the most appropriate technique for working with it. You should also take your personal characteristics into account. Do you prefer detailed and structured plans, or do you value flexibility? What matters more to you — the process or the result? Are you dealing with a long-term goal that requires a vision of the future, or do you prefer short-term tactical and operational objectives? The answers to these questions will help you choose the right goal-setting method.

Brian Tracy’s Method

Brian Tracy is a prime example of a successful person who was able to transform his life.

He has written more than 20 books on motivation and goal achievement. “Earn What You’re Really Worth,” “Eat That Frog!” and other bestsellers have been translated into 10 languages. After dropping out of school and working in numerous jobs, he became vice president of a large investment company by the age of 25.

Tracy later founded three companies and earns income from everything he does. How did an ordinary man from a poor family manage this? Let’s find out.

Who This Method Is For and What It’s Best Suited To

This method works best for achieving financial and business goals, but it can also be applied to other areas — such as health, leisure, and personal development. Naturally, it is also highly suitable for objectives in the field of information technology.

It is especially recommended for individuals who are result-oriented and who prefer detailed planning.

Method Description

Brian Tracy is a recognized authority in the field of personal success. His system is based on having a clear vision of the desired future outcome.

The core elements of his methodology include:

• Visualization — imagining the moment when the goal has been achieved;
• Performing at least one action every day that moves you closer to your goal;
• Maintaining a strong desire to achieve the desired outcome, which serves as the most powerful motivator for success.

Next, you should write down your goals in the form of affirmative statements. For example, instead of “Earn one million rubles,” write “I have earned one million rubles.” When rephrasing your goals, apply the following principles:

• Divide your path to the goal into stages, classifying them into four categories based on importance (labeled A through D). Tracy recommends starting with the steps that will most directly move you toward your dream (Category A) and can be completed within 24 hours.
• Formulate your expected results clearly and realistically rather than vaguely. Consider your current income level and what opportunities you have to increase it. A different target figure may turn out to be more practical.
• Apply the “24-hour rule.” Suppose you achieve one of your goals within a day. Determine which one would have the greatest impact on your life — and make it your main priority.
• Begin with tasks from Category A, and only after completing them should you proceed to Category B.

To strengthen your motivation, supplement your goal with meaningful advantages of its achievement. For example, if earning a million rubles would allow you to travel across Europe in a premium car and enjoy time outdoors with friends under the bright sun, visualize these rewards clearly.

Key Features

Write your goals by hand, not using digital devices. To ensure success, assign a specific deadline: “I will earn one million rubles by September 10, 2020.”

Brian Tracy’s method requires consistent and active effort. Each step must be carefully planned and executed with attention to detail.

After formulating your goal, make a list of 100–200 items — including potential obstacles, the knowledge and resources you need, and the people who can help you reach your objective, as well as the lifestyle adjustments required.

Then divide the final list into four categories according to their level of importance. Tracy suggests labeling tasks as “CSX: ANT” — that is, using letters A–D to mark key tasks and letter D for minor or vague ones.

Once categorized, conduct further ranking within each group to determine priorities. For example, if your goal is to earn a million rubles, your top task in Category A might be “obtain a high-paying position.” If such opportunities do not exist where you currently live, “move to a larger city” might also belong in Category A.

Define precisely what is required and place those items at the top of your list. A task such as “buy a stylish wallet” clearly does not belong among the most important and should fall into Category D. Mid-level or supporting goals (Category C) might include “develop an income-generation strategy,” “research passive income options,” or “read a book of success stories.”