Goal-setting is an important aspect of personal growth and development. It is the process of identifying elements of importance in our life and business, and creating an action plan to make them happen. However, setting goals is only half the puzzle. The other half is actually achieving them…
In order to achieve your goals, one, of many great techniques, even though it sounds like a no-brainer, is to first brainstorm all the different and possible ways you can reach them. This process is best done by writing down your goals on a piece of paper or whiteboard, and then brainstorming all the different strategies and ways you can achieve them, no matter how unrealistic they may initially seem. It is important to write down as many ideas as possible, without thinking too hard at this stage about their effectiveness, nor how easy or difficult they may be to follow.
Once you have brainstormed all the possible ways to achieve your goals, evaluate them to ensure they are S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Ask yourself whether your goals are specific enough and if you have set a clear timeframe for achieving them. Also evaluate whether they are realistic and achievable, and if you have included measurable metrics to track your progress. Tracking is the name of the game…
After evaluating your goals, prioritize the different ways you can achieve them and create an action plan. Start with the most probable and simplest, yet effective way to achieve each goal. Consider the complexity of each method, and whether you need assistance or guidance from others to achieve them.
Finally, commit to one action plan that you believe is the most effective way to achieve that particular goal. Set a specific timeframe and go for it! If it works, great! If it doesn’t, reevaluate and try again with a different approach, one of the other strategies or ideas you reached when initially brainstorming.
Setting goals is important, writing them down or telling others is the next best path to success. However, it is equally important to develop an action plan to achieve them. An action plan, as well as a Plan B, in the event your Plan A does not “do the job”.
By brainstorming all the different ways you can achieve our goals, evaluating them using the S.M.A.R.T. goal criteria, prioritizing your options, and committing to a specific plan, you are more likely to successfully achieve your goals, and move forward to living the type of life, or owning the type of business you dream of.
It is important to remember that setbacks and challenges are part of the process. It may take longer than what you initially planned. Without challenge, there is often no or limited growth. Remain persistent, patient, dedicated and committed to achieving your goals, using your voice and vision to move along the road towards success.
Is it easy? Not necessarily. For some it’s easier than others. Will there be times you’ll feel derailed and that you’re moving off the track? Possibly. Depending on how strong your WHY is to reach the particular goal, i.e. dig down deep and ask yourself honestly, what’s the real reason you’re wanting to achieve that goal, will determine how hard you’re prepared to work to achieve it.
Lesley Kaplan is passionate about life and enhancing people & processes! As a Business Strategy, Branding & Goal-Achieving Coach, Consultant & Trainer, she enhances & empowers businesses, organizations & individuals in identifying, setting and achieving their goals, and in improving their results by “Building, Branding & Boosting”. She coaches and trains individuals and groups, both online and face-to-face, as well as organizes and facilitates monthly networking, business & development events & workshops. She is the Founder & CEO of “L.A.K. Creations & Consulting” and “Build Your Biz with Lesley Kaplan”.