There are a few reasons some goals backfire. This post mentions a simple step you can take to make sure that your goal statement isn't the kind that can backfire.
First of all, make sure it is written in the present tense. Instead of writing "I want to get out of debt in six months", you should say "I am out of debt now." Why? Many of us are working to change our inner state. If we hand the idea over to our subconscious mind that we will be out of debt in six months, then in six months we will still be six months away from being out of debt. The prior statement insinuates that the debt is still in your future. So in six months, you are no closer to being out of debt than you are now.
To think in our heart that we ARE out of debt, we are putting into motion the natural forces of the universe that will lead us to the right people, places, and things that will help us to make it so.
Remember the proverb, "as a man thinketh in his heart, so IS he."
If we want our "IS" to be a debt-free existence, then we must begin by being debt-free in our HEART.
Now look at your goal again. Whatever it is, make sure it is in present tense.
Caution: The goal statement, "I am out of debt now" will still backfire. Why? Because our subconscious mind picks up on key words and disregards the rest. So this statement keeps you focused on "debt" and will keep you in harmony with plenty of it. Instead, write some form of the statement, "I am financially free..."
Keep in mind that this is a very simplistic example of how to write a proper, effective goal. Your goal statement will actually be very descriptive and probably a page long or more. You may need to add a date, and understand how to pick the right one. I just want to get you paying attention to the fundamental principles behind effective goal setting.
Bob Proctor was my first coach ever and following is how he taught me to write my goals:
Let’s say I wrote a goal today: I am so happy and grateful now that I own a 2018 shiny black convertible Maserati with low miles. I am grateful that it runs properly and gets me where I need to go. It is so much fun to cruise around with the blue sky overhead. I am grateful that it is a dependable and fun way to get me about town and beyond. I am amazed at the worthy money-making opportunity which presented itself to help me get this car. The Maserati was affordable and leaves me free financially to pursue other goals such as our vacation to Greece this summer. I am grateful that I had plenty of time for the money-making idea which presented itself and allowed me time to pay sufficient attention to keeping my business profitable. My friends are inspired by the example I have set, and are curious to know my process. I selflessly share what I have learned and encourage others to set worthwhile goals. I attract the kinds of friends who respect me for my integrity; after all, I only wanted the car for respectable reasons.
I scrutinize each word in my goal statement. I write a future date at the top--a date I hope to see the dream come true. The date is far enough away to be believable, but close enough to keep me awake at night. I will only choose words for my goal statement which make me think of the positive aspects of the dream. I write in present tense, and describe how it feels “now that I enjoy” the success. I follow the format: “(Date): I am so happy and grateful now that I enjoy…Because…”
It is all up to you. You set a goal like that and read it often, and eventually you will honestly begin to believe it is all true. Once you are already living the dream in your mind, it is only a matter of time before it is really yours. You will be in tune to opportunities that come your way which will assist you in attaining your goal.
