Reflections on being Realistic

I gave another speech today. I have lost count of the number of speeches I have given, yet each one is a special experience. Today's topic was goal setting.

While a Toastmaster member usually writes their own speech, this one was based on a pre-written speech for a Toastmasters educational program. I re-wrote it to serve my own style and one thing that begged for re-writing was the requirement that goals be "realistic."

You may be familiar with SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time-bound. The trouble with being realistic is that you can talk yourself out just about any worthwhile goal.

My advice: Find a way to make your UNrealistic goals, realistic! Break them down into steps that you have some control over. Remember to enjoy the entire process from the idea to planning to implementation to that final success!

Do NOT be afraid to be UNrealistic!

Shaun

(c) 2007 Shaun G. Jamison
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