Tis the season for wish lists and shopping. Have you thought about your wish list? I’m not talking about gadgets and new slippers. I’m referring to the wish list that will change your life – goals. Last week on my blog, “What does your next chapter look like?” we covered the benefits of creating goals and how they can impact your life. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, it’s worth going to back to catch up to follow the sequence of this month’s topic.
To dive right in, I want to ask you a question. If I were to stop you on the street right now and ask you where you want to be in the next 30 days, would you have an answer? Have you caught yourself asking the following questions and not have a clear answer:
- What is my purpose?
- Do I want to be doing this job?
- Am I happy and fulfilled?
- Could I do better at this?
If your answer is yes, then goals could be just what you need. The challenge is different for everyone, and the purpose varies, but the road to self-improvement is possible for EVERYONE through a few insightful steps. Are you ready? Let’s make this happen.
Here are five steps that you can implement today:
Evaluate and Reflect
Whether you are evaluating current goals or creating new ones, this is the time to have a major brainstorming session. Sit down and take the time to reflect on different areas of your life you would like to improve. Include areas such as relationships, health and fitness, personal life, career, and finances. It’s as simple as that.
Write your goal statement(s)
In this step, write down each goal in a very detailed manner, avoid generalities, and identify specific behavior. Your goals must be clear and well defined. Furthermore, make sure they motivate you. Goals that don’t have personal meaning will lose their luster and motivation will plummet. It is helpful to write down goals in the following format: action + subject + target + deadline. For instance, instead of “I want to increase sales,” write something like, “I want to increase (action) sales (subject) by 10% (target) by December 31st (deadline).
Make sure your goals are SMART:
Specific
As stated above, make sure your goals give you a precise direction Action + Subject + Target + Deadline.
Measurable
Make sure your goals have a number assigned that can be measured. A specific number gives you a target to works towards and a milestone to measure success.
Achievable
Make sure that your goals are attainable and action-oriented. This may require developing new skills or changing your outlook. Think about how to accomplish the goal and if you have the tools and skills needed to achieve it. If you don’t currently possess the required resources, consider taking steps to acquire them.
Realistic
Make sure your goals are practical and reasonable. While your goals can be substantial, make sure they are rational given time, resources, and abilities.
Time Bound
Set deadlines for your goals. Time frames will keep you motivated and create a sense of urgency that will keep you on track.
Make a Plan
Now that you have ignited a passion for change, it’s time to make a plan. For each goal, create a step-by-step action plan that will get you there and remember to think short-term while focusing on the long term. Consider these the baby steps to your marathon. What will it take to get you where you’re going? I love this part of goal planning because it reinforces my core values of Continually Learning and the Power of a Positive Mindset (to view these core values, click here). When you set goals with an action plan, you by nature learn new things and grow through education. Also, I want to mention the power if a positive thinking. A positive environment affects our results, and a positive mindset can transform perceived “problems” into opportunities. The reward for this focused approach is the gift of taking what is seen to be a weakness and turning it into a strength. There is a direct connection between your thoughts and the results you receive for your efforts. Now on the final and scariest part of the whole process – telling people!
Accountability
Creating goals and writing them down is both terrifying and freeing. Once you have a plan in place, I would suggest creating what I call a “mastermind.” A mastermind is a group of people who you strategically and intentionally select as accountability partners. Ideally, this team will commit to meeting regularly to discuss goals and share successes and near successes. My recommendation – choose people who will give you honest feedback in a positive manner and are willing to help you develop your ideas. By telling people around you your goals and why they matter, you are verbally committing to working on those goals while reinforcing their importance.
As always, my door is open! If you would like to chat further, let’s make a date.
Joe
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