Everyone talks about setting goals; what about achieving them?  It seems we assume that setting a goal results in its automatic attainment.  But is that so?  I’ve set goals I’ve obtained in much less time than I thought it would take – like becoming a member of the National Speakers Association.  I’ve also set goals for which the deadlines have long past.  What’s the difference?  They were all my goals.  I really wanted them.  I wrote them down.  I reviewed them periodically.  Where’s the disconnect?

After a great deal of reflection on this topic, I’ve come up with seven steps that one must carry out to be certain to realize the desired outcome of their goals. 

1. Decide exactly what you want and why you want it.  Go as deep with this as you can.  What is the desired outcome, and why is it desirable?  Then, what is the outcome of that and why do you want it?  Keep going until you’re sure it’s what you want.
2. Write it all down.  Be as specific as possible and make it measurable.  For example, “I want to increase my income by 100 percent over the next two years so that I can increase my family’s standard of living and put money away for my child’s education.”  Continue on, as far as you can go with the exact standard of living you desire and where your child might attend university.
3. Set deadlines and, if appropriate, sub deadlines.  For example, “I will first increase my income by 50% within the next year and put all of the money into an interest-bearing account.”
4. Make a list of everything you must do to accomplish your goal.  Write out every detailed task and keep adding to it.  You’ll know once it is complete – and it may never be – depends on the goal.
5. Prioritize and sort the list into a plan.  Determine what needs to be done first, second, and so on, adding things as they come to you.  This is your strategic plan.
6. Do the first item, and keep going.  Instead of just reviewing your goal daily, review your strategic plan daily also.  This is where the rubber meets the road; this is what will get you there.
7. Document your progress.  You’ll be surprised at how much this helps.  If you don’t document where you are along your strategic plan timeline, you might miss the fact that you’ve gotten there! 

This happened to me when I was working on my qualifications for NSA.  I had a plan and was working on it daily.  Then I got busy with other things, but kept doing what was necessary to reach my goal.  I wasn’t documenting anything and then one day thought, “Is it possible that I’ve qualified?”  I got out my paperwork and realized I had reached my goal about a month prior.  My deadline was seven months away, so I wasn’t keeping close enough track.  Not that this was a major upsetting event or anything, but what if I had never checked?  The time to qualify could have passed and I may have had to start all over again.  Don’t let something like that happen to you. 

Keep track of your goals and your progress; change when necessary, and live your dreams.

Posted under Education, Leadership, Motivation