You have a goal in mind and you are all fired up to achieve it. But before you launch into action, take the time to consider these three questions.
- Why this goal
- When will you work on this goal?
- What support do you need?
It takes more than a to-do list and ambition to transform your goal into reality. Your answers will help you refine the goal, create a realistic plan and engage the support you need from the beginning.
Why this goal?
When you first set your goal and write down your steps to success, you are focused and motivated to do whatever it takes. But motivation is not consistent. It ebbs and flows over time. The only thing to get you going when this happens is your “why”.
- Why is this a goal?
- Why is it important to you?
- Why is it important to you at this time in your life/business?
- Why did you choose to pursue this goal above others?
When considering your “why”, don’t stop when the goal is achieved. Look beyond that to imagine what will be possible in the months or years ahead as a result of the changes you have made.
Understanding the root of the goal, and the reason it exists in the first instance is the key to persisting even when motivation escapes you.
When will you work on this goal?
Few of us have the luxury of delegating or outsourcing all our other obligations so that we can focus solely on one goal. Most people still need to accomplish daily tasks, even while pursuing a big objective.
This is why you need to look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself the following questions to help identify the changes you need to make across your entire day or week to create space for this goal work.
- What do I need to start doing?
- What do I need to stop doing?
- What do I need to do more of?
- What do I need to do less of?
When people begin working on a goal, they often feel that there is plenty of time. However, as the weeks pass by and deadlines draw closer, many people find themselves feeling rushed. You can avoid this by proactively creating space in your week to make steady progress.
Related Reading: Workload management tactics to help transform your workday
What support do you need?
Finally, take some time to write a list of people who can help you. Maybe it’s people who have been successful at doing a similar thing in the past or people who are willing and available to troubleshoot with you when things aren’t going right. Perhaps it’s someone who is a really good listener.
Considering what support you need upfront will ensure that you seek the help you need to be successful. This is often direct help from another person or people, but it may also be indirect support through books, courses or other material.
Begin with these four categories to identify the support you need and add anything else that applies to your goal.
- Skills or knowledge
- Mindset
- Time
- Emotional support
Goal-setting is a valuable and powerful tool. It allows you to dream big. Taking the time to consider your “why”, creating space for action, and engaging the support you need will allow you to transform that dream into reality.
