Eilidh-ism "Your success is built on your daily routines..."
Congratulations to the organisers and supporters of HSBC's 'Rat Pack Ball' at Chester Racecourse, earlier this month. £42K was raised for Claire House. What a fantastic fund-raising event it proved to be! Despite the economic climate, the bank team was determined to raise a substantial figure and they achieved their goal.
Now talking of goals, shortly after we bought our bikes in January, I decided on a simple goal - to cycle 1000 miles in 10 months. To achieve this objective, we needed to be able to measure and monitor mileage. Jay fitted an odometer and day by day, week on week we tracked our journeys; simply put is was 100 miles per month. By the end of November, we will have cycled the targeted 1000 miles; not by riding from Land's End to John O'Groats (a distance of approximately 603 miles by the way) but by short journeys of 3 to 5 miles each day. In the words of Bill Hogan's book, "How do you eat an elephant? .... One bite at a time!" (You'll find this and other recommended reading on P7 of my affiliate shop) I'm sure you know SMART goal mnemonic = specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-lined = and these steps = success.
For many people the trouble with goals is threefold. They give up through lack of:
- Commitment
- Confidence
- Clarity
Each time I cycle I achieve improved fitness, fuel savings, a reduced carbon footprint and have time to talk to myself - strategic planning. The more reasons you can associate with your goal, the more likely you are to win... my goal is also fun, it gives me quality time with Jay and we keep exploring. But beware, once you have achieved your goal it may become addictive. You could become a goal getter and setter again... and again. Of course building on your success, you can go on to challenge yourself to more demanding things. The secret is getting started, doing a little each day and having a support team or partner to encourage you along the way.
My next book "Confidence the Key to Your Happiness" publishes in mid-February 2010. It is full of stories and strategies to help ride the roller-coaster of life. And I'm looking for original stories. Do you have a story, an experience or point of view that you would like to share? If so, please mail me. (Contributions will need approval from the editor and be no more than 500 words) Deadline: 31/12/2009
I'll be presenting at the first Pecha Kucha Event in Manchester on Tuesday 1st December at 7pm. Why not join us? Cost is just £5.00 as PK (Pecha Kucha) events are non-profit making. 160 tickets have already been reserved.
And do get in touch if you think I can help you, your colleagues or friends in any way; suggest they sign up for Talk Confidence?
Why not let me help you to have an "Odd" month or a really "Odd" 2010?
Remember that Eilidh-ism, "Your success will be built on your daily routines..."