Jeff Yalden
Recently, I was at a high school when they were talking about goals and I thought to myself, “How elementary!” Actually, my thoughts were probably a little edgier than “How elementary!”
My point is this: Goals have a beginning and an end. We set a goal and for some they are just stupid such as, “I want to graduate from high school.” Really!?!?!? I am pretty sure that most people with a little effort and motivation can graduate from high school. So you graduate and at the end you get a diploma. Kinda like a sticker for job well done. Everybody sets goals and some achieve them. Some don’t.
Setting goals is about reaching and striving for something. Let’s challenge ourselves. Personally, I think a goal for a teen such as graduating from high school is a little too simple, but challenging for the lazy and underachiever. Push yourself. Set goals that nobody in your family has ever set. How about graduating from college? Saving $2,000 in a year with your job? Applying to #1 school of your choice? Running a 5K? Losing 10 pounds?
Make your goals using the S-M-A-R-T acronym.
S – Simple
M – Manageable
A – Attainable
R – Reasonable
T – Timely
Now that you have your goal how are you going to get there? Every single day you have to work for it. You have to have it written down and say it out loud every day. That is putting your plan in action and visualizing it.
Now, what isn’t taught to teens is a Purpose. Unlike your goals, a purpose doesn’t have a beginning nor does it have an end. You don’t get a diploma for achieving your purpose because a purpose isn’t achievable. A purpose doesn’t have anyone on the end standing there awaiting your victory for a sticker.
Your purpose is why you wake up and do what you do. Your purpose is your motivation. It is the direction you take in achieving your goals. Many people have goals, but few have a purpose every day.
Think of a football team. Their goal is to win the championship. The purpose is HOW they practice every day and their commitment to each other and every one. Their purpose is their preparation mentally and physically. They are practicing hard every day because they have the goal in mind. The purpose gives them direction and motivation to work towards an end result.
What is your goals? What is your purpose?
“Every morning in Africa a Gazelle wakes up and knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa a Lion wakes up and knows it must run faster than the slowest Gazelle, or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Gazelle or a Lion, when you wake up you better be running!” – African Proverb
Get up every day and run like hell towards your dreams and goals. Let your purpose in life direct you.
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Jeff Yalden is one of the Top Youth Teen Motivational Speakers in the world today. He speaks to thousands of high school assemblies and middle school assemblies. Student Leadership Programs often look to Jeff to be their keynote speaker. Jeff Yalden is real. He is engaging and hilarious and teens love him for his humor and serious message. Find out about Jeff by visiting www.JeffYalden.com.