How to set meaningful goals and to achieve them

This blog focuses on something that many doctors neglect. Because of the prescribed course that a medical career can take many doctors don’t set defined goals and just go with the flow. While this can seem like the easiest option it leaves a lot to chance. This blog shares a new way of setting meaningful goals that has the ability to put your goals on steroids!

The power of the mind

As humans we steer towards what we focus on. This is the reason that goal setting is so important. Goals send commands to our subconscious minds that cause us to move towards those goals. Studies have shown the subconscious mind to be at least 30,000 times more powerful than our conscious mind so it’s important to get the subconscious mind moving in the direction we want.

But while it’s incredibly powerful, the subconscious mind does not have the ability to choose or to make value judgements; it merely obeys your dominant thoughts - what you are focussing on most of the time. It’s therefore important that our dominant thoughts are what we want in our lives, because regardless of whether you want it or not, if you’re focussing on it your subconscious will make sure you’re moving towards it. 

Things like worry are in effect negative goal setting, because by worrying about what you don’t want you are actually setting this up as your dominant thought and your subconscious moves you towards it, even though you don’t want it. For example, if you’re worried about not having enough money and you’re focussing on your lack of money, chances are you’re going to end up in worse financial difficulties.

Have you ever thought something like “don’t stub my toe, don’t stub my toe”, then you’ve done exactly that, stubbed your toe? That is exactly what negative goal setting is.

The purpose of goals is not just to achieve that goal; the purpose of goals is to create dominant thoughts that move you and your life in the direction you want.

But I noticed that just setting goals wasn’t enough; I noticed there were a lot of people who had goals but who never seemed to achieve them, and I also noticed that this happened to me sometimes. So I searched for an answer as to why this was the case, and I think I’ve found it.

Activating the whole mind

As a doctor you will know that we have a left brain and a right brain. The left brain is based on logic, while the right brain is based on creativity. We have already established that our goals are there to move towards, and for goals to be truly effective they need to register in both our left and right brains.

Most people set goals by writing them down. This is great because the written word communicates with our logical left brain. But the problem with this is that our creative right brain is not activated by simply writing goals; the right brain speaks in images and emotions and therefore these need to be used to harness our full potential.

The benefits of positive thinking

While some people think positive thinking is merely the ‘woo woo’ practice of naive simpletons who just want to feel good, science has demonstrated the undeniable benefits of it. Positive thinking causes the brain to release serotonin. Not only does serotonin cause you to feel happiness and a sense of wellbeing, but it has now been demonstrated to form a bridge to more effectively connect brain cells and to connect the left and right brains.

On the other hand, negative thinking causes the release of cortisol which causes feelings of stress, sadness and depression. And if this isn’t enough, it has also now been demonstrated to reduce communication between brain cells and also the left and right brains.

So, by combining positive thinking with a practice of goal setting that activates both the left and right brains, we give ourselves the best chance at not only a happy life, but also a life where we achieve the things that are meaningful to us.

The answer…

You might be thinking “this is all well and good, but what specifically can I do to set goals that activate my left and right brain so that I get them aligned and on target so that my river of life flows exactly where I want it to?” (Maybe not quite in those words but you get the idea!)

I had the same thoughts and my search for an answer led Tony Robbins to introducing me to a man called Brian Mayne. Brian teaches a process that is fun and easy to do and results in both your left and right brain being activated; it’s called Goal Mapping.

There’s too much to share in this article, but I’ll give you a quick summary and if you want access to the whole thing just email me: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and mention goal mapping!

 Goal Mapping

1. Dream – create a vision for your ultimate life and set goals
2. Order – determine your key goal that will make the other goals happen too
3. Draw – activate your right brain and your subconscious through images
4. Why – activate your subconscious through emotions – why is this goal so important to you?
5. When – set a deadline, a goal without a deadline is just a wish!
6. How – what are the actions you need to take?
7. Who - choose the people or organisations that can support you

While this might seem simplistic, it really works. I applied it at the start of 2010 and the results have been phenomenal. I’ve achieved more in the past year than I have in the previous five years! While I’ve always set goals, doing it in this way is like goal setting on steroids!!!

To get in touch visit locum doctor agency MedRecruit, Australasia's premiere agency for junior doctors creating a lifestyle and career in medicine.

Committed to your success!

Dr Sam Hazledine

Managing Director