Wednesday, May 23, 2007

The Art of Goal Setting

Okay, you desire change in your life and you have a general idea of what you want but you feel a little overwhelmed about how to build a bridge over the chasm between here and there….

The Rating System

First, rate each of the following, as it pertains to your life at this moment, on a scale of zero [absolutely stinks] to ten [could not get any better].
1. fitness/health
2. money
3. career
4. friends/family
5. fun/recreation
6. personal growth/spiritual development
7. physical environment/home
8. romance/significant other

Creating a Visual

Second, draw a giant circle on a piece of plain paper and put today’s date on the page; then draw inside the circle, lines that divide it into quarters and then eighths. Label the outside of each pie piece with the above listed items. Then, place a dot inside the pie piece to correspond with where you rated it. For example, the one rating would set near the center and a ten rating would cling to the outer edge. The last part of the task is to connect the dots.

am guessing your connected dots do not create a concentric circle at this point. However, with some conscious planning and introspection, you begin creating the life you want.

The Vision

Next, on the back of the paper, divide it into eight sections or squares and put each label from above into a square. Take time to look at each section and write a description of what a perfect ten would look like. You may need more paper—go for it! Describe your perfect TEN in an uninhibited, belly-up, all-out unadulterated, and passionate way. In other words, you may not write what you think you can have, you must write what you WANT.

Goal Setting 101

Now you have an idea of what your perfect ten looks like. So, using the logical, analytical, problem solving side of the brain you will create an action plan. By processing backwards, write the steps that it would take to lead you from where you want to be to where you are now. This is like planning a party or event where you have the end in mind. Try to get engrossed in the details because each little step leads you closer to what you want.

Building the Bridge

Finally, take out your circle of life today. What three areas have the most priority or importance to you for the next three months? Again, by processing backwards, assign a deadline in three months for some specific tasks and steps which will move you one to two spots forward on your rating of those areas. Then, for each week leading up to that deadline, assign one or two things you can add to move you toward it. If necessary, each week you can take your weekly goal and break it down to daily tasks.

In the future, when you have more time, you can work on this process for the other aspects of the wheel. Try not to overwhelm yourself with too many areas at once. Most of these will be one year to five-year goals. You have plenty of time.

Remember to begin with the end in mind.

How will you know you have moved to the next step?
How will you know you have successfully reached your goal? For example, will you be able to read a few novels you have been saving or finish a 10K race? Will you have a date night once a month with your significant other or take a trip you have always wanted to take? Only you can quantify what success looks like for your life.

Assessment

Successful goal setting requires constant review and assessment of where you are while allowing yourself flexibility to change things as your needs change. Set aside 15-20 minutes a week to review where you are and check of what you have accomplished. Modify and adjust what the next steps are based on the new information you have gained in the previous week. Also, schedule a life wheel assessment every three months and evaluate what you want to work on for the next quarter. Finally, consider spending a few minutes each morning or each evening to review your goals for the week so you have constant positive reinforcement about what you want. Most importantly, give yourself permission to have what you want.

Roadblocks

Sometimes we hit a roadblock or a speed bump on the bridge to our vision. For instance, you had good intentions for the week and then, for whatever reason, you did not do what you set out to do. This is okay and normal. Remember, this life is an adventure and not an exam. When you do your weekly review, consider what obstacles prevented you from accomplishing your goals that week. Maybe you need to add more steps; maybe you need to brainstorm ways to circumvent the obstacles.

Regardless, remember that when you REALLY want something, you can part the Red Sea to get it AND you will get it. Honestly. Sometimes, when we have not completed our goals for a few weeks, we may need to reconsider why it is a goal. Maybe your needs and goals have changed and that goal no longer serves you. Maybe you are resisting because you want something else or are trying too hard to please others rather than yourself. If this process is a little overwhelming, you may consider enlisting your buddy or a coach for a few sessions to help you get over the hurdles.

Only you can determine your motivation and the more loving and less judgmental you are in determining what you really want, the easier the path to your goals becomes. You can do it and you deserve it!