03 Jan How To Set Powerful and Achievable Goals
It’s a new year. An end to 2020. A new beginning. A time for a fresh start and a re-set on what we want to achieve. It’s a time for setting goals.
I’m a big believer in knowing what you are aiming for (no matter how loose or detailed your plan). If you don’t know what you are striving for, how will you know how to get there? Or when you get there?
Early in my endurance athlete career I was training to run a marathon at, what for me, was a very fast pace. If I met the time I would qualify to run in a high profile race that I really wanted to participate in. I was telling one of my friends of my goal to hit this time mark, the training and preparation I’d done for it, and what my race day was going to look like. She looked at me and asked, “What if you don’t make the time?”
I stopped and stared at her.
I didn’t have an answer because it didn’t occur to me I wouldn’t make the time. Was it a given I would? Heck no, no way! My goal time was much faster than I’d ever run a marathon before. But I knew what I was aiming for and had done all the preparation and, therefore, was confident I could achieve it. I said “could” not “would” achieve it. So, while there was no guarantee, I was looking ahead to when I achieved my goal. If I didn’t make it, I’d modify my plan at that time.
So yes, goals are a powerful driver. Just acknowledging and admitting them to yourself or others makes them real to your subconscious and therefore on your way to working toward them.
Let’s get you working on your goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. I have two options for you: 1) My Short Cut to Goal Setting and 2) Your Goal Guide: 10 Steps to Creating Powerful and Achievable Goals.
The short cut approach is for those of you who may be short on time or focus. The Goal Guide will take you through a 10-step approach for creating, planning, tracking and celebrating your goals.
1. Goal Setting Short Cut
Write down the answers to these questions:
A. What do you want to achieve in 2021?
- It can be a big “pie in the sky” goal.
- Or a series of things you’d like to achieve.
- A combination of both
B. What do you need to do to achieve them?
- Is there knowledge or training you need to seek out?
- Do you need to create/update your resume or LinkedIn profile?
- Will you commit to reviewing and applying to open positions?
- Make new contacts?
- Ask for more responsibilities?
C. What are the barriers to achieving your goals?
- What is currently stopping you?
- What will prevent you from reaching your goals?
- What do you need to do to overcome these barriers?
There you have it! By answering these questions, you’ve identified your goals and created the plan to achieve them! Write down your goals and plan (this makes them tangible and you accountable) and review them throughout the year.
2. Your Goal Guide: 10 Steps for Creating Powerful and Achievable Goals
Grab a copy of my complete Your Goal Guide: 10 Steps for Creating Powerful and Achievable Goals and learn how to identify, plan and achieve your dreams, even if you’ve never been successful at goal setting before. What you’ll learn:
- Why goal setting is important
- How to create an action plan and measure your goals
- What to do if you get off track
Which Guide works best for you?
Either way, I hope it helps you dream big for 2021 and lays the foundation for you to achieve those goals.
What are some of your goals for this year? Let me know so I can cheer you on!