9 Ways to Reach Your Goals
Motorcycle riders recognize how critically important having a clear vision is to reaching their destination. No one else can do what you’re here to do and being proactive is the best way to get there safely and effectively.
On a motorcycle, your eyes are the primary steering mechanism. Look in the direction you want to go because your eyes will certainly take you there.
If you don’t have goals, a purpose, or focus and see clearly where you’re going, you tend to drift through life, experiencing only a fraction of what you’re capable of. You miss out on much joy and fulfillment.
9 Ways to Reach Your Goals
Understanding your purpose in life gives you a sense of direction. Goal setting moves you in that direction and keeps you focused, energy efficient and fulfilled. Whether it’s heading out to a favorite destination, going out for an unstructured Sunday cruise, or tackling a Round-The-World adventure, there is some sort of a goal when heading out on your motorcycle.
Here’s how to create goals that guarantee success, whether you’re on a country road or your life’s path.
Define your goal
Where is your heart leading you? It can be anything, just pick SOMETHING that falls into line with what you really want to do. Picture sitting in your rocking chair at the end of life and having nothing left on your bucket list.
Confirm this is what YOU want
Not what someone else wants from you. Listen to and follow your heart. While not easy, it will never steer you wrong. What are your likes, interests and dislikes? Acknowledge whatever fears and doubts are trying to dissuade you, recognize they are only trying to protect you and then park them so you can move on.
Establish stretch goals
It’s the only way you’ll grow. Set your long-term goal and then identify the steps to get there. Make all of them S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound)
Be realistic
What is the current reality? Keep questioning yourself and others to get to the facts. Words like “never,” or “always” are usually an embellishment and rarely true. And of course the words “would of/should of/could of” have no business here.
Operate within your skill level
Again, be realistic. A student in my beginner motorcycle course was delayed in starting the program because he’d already crashed his very powerful 1,000 cc. sport bike – a poor choice as a first bike. Much as he thought he had the skills to operate it, there’s no way a new rider is ready to handle such a machine.
When you do the same thing in life – i.e. tackle something beyond your physical skills, emotional capability or mental prowess, you’re setting yourselves up for failure.
Develop the skills you need
Once you know where you’re going and what your current reality is, you can determine what you need to get you there. Whether it’s taking a course, cross-training, finding a mentor, or engaging in progressively more challenging experiences, set your plan in action.
Be prepared to change direction
Life throws curve balls. Your interests and life circumstances change. You go around a bend in the Road and find something you didn’t expect. Or a Detour sign sends you in a different direction.
There’s nothing wrong with reassessing your goal in the light of new internal or external information.
Focus on where you want to go
Whatever your goal is, focus on it and apply your energy towards achieving it. Don’t be distracted by things that are out of scope or out of your control
Go
This can be the hardest thing to do. Just take one step. That’s all you ever need to think about – taking the next step. Nothing is carved in stone and Roads can change with new information.
Liz sometimes that first step is the hardest.
Very true Mary. But it’s important to get started. Even a LITTLE step helps create momentum. All we ever have to take is one step. Remembering that makes things much more manageable. Or we can stay stuck where we are. Our choice.