Writing goals describes the act of inscribing on a surface characters or shapes that convey thoughts and ideas in relation to that goal. Why is this mechanical act of writing goals so important in the achievement process?

Also, what is the best way to approach writing goals for maximum effect?

Words are an integral part of the thinking process.

Words convey images, pictures, feelings, emotions to the mind.

Say to yourself silently "STENCH" and then follow it quickly with "FRAGRANCE" and you will be aware of the different reactions those words produce in your mind.

Here is an interesting observation:

We can be thinking 'something' without realizing fully what that something is.

It is intangible, it is not clearly defined in our mind.

But now, start putting that thought into words, try expressing it and an amazing thing starts to happen.

By clothing it in words, that abstract thought now takes on body, shape, form, substance.

It is no longer just a thought! It becomes something which motivates us, or creates a gut feeling inside.

Just try it and you will see how it works.

So, why is the mechanical act of writing goals so important?

Building on what we have already stated, putting pen to paper now transfers those expressions which embody thoughts onto something tangible. We can now physically look at it.

Even the act of using the eye in coordination with the hand holding the pen when writing goals makes a much firmer impression on our mind as you write out the phrase or expression.

Now when we read and re-read that phrase or sentence the impression on the mind becomes deeper and deeper.

Here is another important point:

When the words are written and then repeatedly re-written they have maximum impact.

So don't be content with a first draft.

Initially writing goals down is important, yes. But then, rephrase it, compact it, add motivating adjectives, make it pithy.

A week later you may want to adjust it again. Keep on fine tuning.

For example, suppose you set the goal to become a public speaker.

The first draft might read:

"My goal is to become an accomplished public speaker who can hold the interest of an audience from beginning to end."

Second draft:

My goal is to be an enthusiastic speaker who gets an audience on its feet.

Third draft:

My goal is to be such an inspiring speaker I get a standing ovation every time.

Can you see how the motivation evolves when writing goals?

Putting it in writing breathes life into it making it a force which cannot be easily stopped.

To put it succinctly, "Writing Goals Down Ties Them Up!"