Disclaimer - Good goal setting is the foundation of success and no shortcuts should be taken. This article is intended to get you thinking. If you're really serious about setting good goals, find an accountability partner that you trust, or even better, hire a coach to guide you.
"If you don't know where you're sailing, any port will do."
Earl Nightingale famously said "success is progress toward a worthwhile goal." Therefore, if you have clearly defined your goals and are taking steps (even baby steps) toward that goal, you're successful.
While it is critically important to follow a goal setting process, it does not have to be hard. In its simplest form, a good goal setting process consists of the 5 basic steps below. This is the 'Simplest Guide' because if you follow this process, you're guaranteed to improve the quality and success of your goal setting program.
1. Understand what is important to you (CLARITY)
You need to do some soul searching to understand what is truly important to you. This step is the most important because, done right, it will connect your goal to your passion and lay the foundation for WHY in step 3. The questions below have proven to be very valuable for me and others I have coached through this process:
- Imagine you're at your 80th birthday. Your family, closest friends and colleagues are there to celebrate. What do you want them to say about you?
- Are you satisfied with your life so far? Why/why not?
- Who are the most important people in your life? Are you happy with how you are spending time with them?
Now that you're connected to what is important, you can identify the work that you find most gratifying.
- Of all the work you have done in the past 5 years, what has given you the most satisfaction?
- Of all the opportunities inside and outside of my company, which get me the most excited?
- What skills do I currently have that would help me pursue those opportunities?
- What skills would I enjoy learning that would help me pursue those opportunities?
Reflect on your answers in step 1 and work to get clear on the things you want to accomplish. Use the categories below and choose 1 or 2 goals for each category. Spreading your goals across these categories has proven to help with balance and higher levels of overall satisfaction.
- Faith / community
- Family / friends
- Finance / work
- Fitness / health
- Fun / hobbies
Review each of the goals and seek to understand WHY these goals are important to you. As you come up with the WHAT (I want a vacation home in the mountains), you must then come up with the WHY (to spend more quality time with my kids). It is very common to go back and modify goals as the you get more clear. Keep going thru this step until you feel a healthy connection to each goal.
4. Create the actions that will move you toward your goals (ACTION)
"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
Now that you have the goals you want to achieve, it is time to begin to formulate the tactics and strategies that will get you there. Most people have accepted that SMART goal setting principles work well. Read this if you need a reminder but don't forget the crucial step of setting a due date.
5. Identify steps can be taken immediately (MOMENTUM)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
Now that you have your SMART goals set up, the last thing you need to do is...ANYTHING. Choose one thing that you can do today or right this second and start building momentum toward your goals.
A very basic outline of the matrix you have at the end will look something like this.
For another perspective on goal setting, read this article in Entrepreneur featuring Tim Ferriss.
