Goal Setting Tips and Traps
by
Gayle Lantz
You
know what to do. So what’s the problem? You set the goal months ago, but
you’ve made little progress. Perhaps you’ve even written it down …
somewhere, maybe buried in a stack on your desk. What separates those who master
the art of reaching their goals and those who don’t? It’s their commitment,
clarity and connection to their goals.
Commitment:
One of the major mistakes people make when setting goals is they’re not really
committed to the outcomes in the first place. They may only see the goal as a
goal without understanding what achieving the goal can give them. They may not
have the intrinsic motivation they need to be serious about the process. Maybe
they set a goal they thought the boss wanted to hear, but it’s not compelling
enough to them personally.
Tip:
Ask yourself what’s most important about achieving your goal? Everyone is
motivated by different values. Some examples include: family, stability, change,
growth, power. Knowing what motivates you will help you become more successful
in the process.
Clarity:
Often people are too general about their goals. They want to get “better” at
something or they want to “improve” their business. Broad statements are
made without the means to measure results.
Tip:
Ask yourself what the outcome would look like when you’ve accomplished your
goal. This gives you a clear picture of what you’re really shooting for.
Establish metrics to track and measure your success wherever possible.
Connection:
Sometimes goals are set haphazardly and in isolation. They’re not connected
well to an overall strategy. Individuals master tactics thinking they’ve
accomplished goals, but they lack strategy. Companies do the same. It’s not
unusual to see organizations spend money on training without having leadership
and performance development plans in place first. Without understanding how a
goal fits in the context of a bigger picture, the goal is just a “to do”
item.
Tip:
Start by identifying or clarifying your overall strategic objectives first, then
develop your goals to support those objectives. There will be better connection
among your goals when considered in the context of a larger plan. This is what
makes the difference between those who achieve goals and those who achieve the right
goals.
With
the New Year around the corner, many people are focusing more seriously on their
personal and business goals. Here’s my Top 10 List on ways to grow yourself,
your business or your career in the New Year:
1.
Know what motivates you.
Is it really the money? What does money give you? Know what your deepest drivers
are so you can design your work or business to reflect what’s most important
to you.
2.
Test your assumptions.
Too many people make business decisions or career moves based on their own
assumptions. Don’t assume anything until you know it’s true. Your beliefs
and assumptions about people, situations and what’s possible are one of the
most important factors that guide your actions. Talk them through with others to
see if they are valid.
3.
Develop yourself in one area.
Don’t go for a total redo. Just pick one thing you’d like to work on. For
example, if you tend to be more extraverted, practice becoming a better
listener. If you tend to be more introverted, express yourself more freely. If
you’re disorganized and want more order, work on that.
4.
Connect with other people who
stretch you. Meet new people who have high
aspirations, those who think differently from you, those who have an interesting
perspective to offer, those who challenge you, those who inspire you. Actively
seek them out.
5.
Get uncomfortable.
Take a risk. Do something out of the norm. Give them something to talk about.
Amazing things happen when you are willing to get out of your comfort zone. Your
opportunity for growth becomes larger.
6.
Expand your vision of what’s
possible. I am often surprised by the
limited vision people have for themselves, their careers or their businesses.
Many have given up on themselves. They see themselves as their resumes – as
what they have done in the past. Surround yourself with creative minds and big
thinkers. Don’t settle. You’re too important.
7.
Become more emotionally intelligent.
This is a blindspot for many managers. Emotional intelligence is considered
essential to leadership and therefore, business success. The good news is that
it can be learned. Read up on it. See how you can understand more about yourself
and others to better achieve your goals.
8.
Speak to groups.
Public speaking continues to be the number one fear for many, yet it is one of
the smartest skills you can develop at any level in your career. As an
organizational leader or business owner, it is essential. Start from wherever
you are in your speaking and take it to the next level.
9.
Get real.
Be honest with yourself about what you want to achieve and why. We’re too
conditioned to say what we think others want to hear. Don’t try to impress or
pacify others. Have courage. Simply speak from your own convictions about what
matters most to you and what you really want out of your life and work. Others
will think you’re a little nuts or will give you needed support. It’s worth
the risk.
10.
Turn off autopilot.
Become intentional this year. Develop a strategy and review it often. Become
passionate about your work. What are you waiting for? Don’t look back at the
end of next year wishing you could have done something new for yourself or your
business. Take control now…one step at a time.
Gayle Lantz is President of WorkMatters (www.workmatters.com), an executive and corporate coaching company. Gayle is a professional speaker and co-author of Irresistible Leadership. She may be reached at lantz@workmatters.com.
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