“Would you please tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
“That depends a good deal on where you want to go”, said the Cat
“I don’t much care where…” said Alice
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat
– Lewis Carroll, Alice In Wonderland
Most people do not accomplish their dreams, get what they want in life, or live up to their potential because they haven’t been “taught” how to set goals. Oh sure, most have read tidbits on goal setting or have probably attended a goal setting class where they had to listen to someone who obviously didn’t know what they were talking about. (I’ve been there before, and that was painful….)
The logistics of setting goals does not have to be a daunting process; you just need to understand the difference between goals, objectives, activities, tasks, results, and benefits. For example:
If I said to you, “I am going to walk every day for the next six months,” is that a goal? The answer is no. That’s a strategy for achieving your goal of physical wellness.
If I said to you, “I am going to live a long and healthy life,” is that an objective? No. That is a benefit of achieving you goal of physical wellness.
Confused? You are definitely not alone. As I eluded to earlier, a major reason most people don’t accomplish their dreams, get what they want in life, or live up to their potential is because they have never been trained in the art of goal-setting. They just don’t understand the process. (Through this blog – I want to change that) More importantly, although the difference between a goal and an objective can be confusing; you really have to think about what you are doing when planning your life. Therefore I challenge you to “embrace” the following and do the work:
Goals: Statements defining your desire, which you will direct all of your efforts to achieving. Example: I will achieve Physical Wellness for myself.
Objectives: What you need to do in order to achieve your overall goals. Examples: replace bad habits with good habits – achieve clean bill of health from doctor.
Strategies: Action plans required for each objective. Examples: Start eating a low fat, high fiber diet – begin a program of exercise, etc.
Tasks: Activities that support your action plan. Examples: See a doctor for a check-up before starting exercise program – buy new walking shoes – join a health club – read a book on nutrition.
Action Plan: A list of specific and measurable activities to be achieved by certain dates. Your Action Plan is really part of your daily to-do list. Examples: I will walk 30 minutes daily – I will consume only 1500 calories per day, etc
Results: Measurable Outcomes. Examples: Lost 25 pounds and reached my ideal body weight – lowered blood pressure to 120/80 – reduced cholesterol to 150.
Benefits: What achieving your goal means to you. Examples: I look better and feel more energized – I have more self-confidence – clothes fit better..
You may think this is a lot of hard work – but this is your life, and trust me, It’s well worth the effort!
Life must be a journey of constantly improving yourself. Without goals you will spend your most productive time doing unproductive things. Always remember: Goals keep you moving forward, not backward.
A Dynamic Trainer, Leadership Speaker, Communications Speaker, and D.I.S.C. – Human Development Expert – Willie helps people Communicate and Connect, and provide Brilliant Customer Service.
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