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Book Excerpt, Chapter 9:
Some Tools That Are Jewels

This is a short-term goal setting exercise I designed about 15 years ago. The name of the exercise is Wants Have Wings. I found it to be very useful for myself and for clients. I use it and update it every 6 months. It's one of the tools that helped me to get through grad school, to get my practice going and to get this book started and completed.

The purpose of this exercise is to give clarity to the direction of your goals, to give clarity to the attitudes that will move you toward your goals and to give clarity to the action you will need to take to accomplish your goals. Yes, writing it down does make a difference and setting a realistic goal date helps you to pace yourself to accomplish your goals. I say realistic because you don't want to set yourself up for failure and discouragement, but, you also need to give your-self parameters to work within. Although this is a short term goal setting exercise it can also include important goals that you wish to emphasize by recognizing them as ongoing goals. A short-term goal is sometimes necessary towards a larger long term goal. Biting off too big a chunk at one time can be fearful and paralyzing. There is an old Chinese proverb; "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.", so take it one step at a time and you can get where you want to go. But guess what, you're not going anywhere unless you get started.

You can copy and enlarge this form or copy it freehand. Some of the frequent areas that people choose to set short term goals for are; Health, Relationships, Career, Finances, and Spirituality.

Any part of your life that you have wants and wishes for, is workable in this format. No guarantees that you'll win the lottery, or look like a movie star if you don't already, but set your sights high on your achievable wants and even some you just think are wishes.

For optimum use of this goal setting exercise don't forget to date the exercise and review it, at least, on the goal date. If you haven't achieved the goal, don't get "dis-couraged" or guilt yourself, just repeat the goal. Include your ongoing goals again and don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back for the goals you do accomplish. Getting what you want feels really good, so go for it!