When talking about intentions, and how we start heading in the right direction, it is impossible not to talk about goals. Goals are what let us put focus on what we can DO to aid us in being the person we want to BE.
A quick search of the internet will turn up an alphabet soup of methods and structures. SMART… OKR… GROW… BHAG… KPI… SMARTER… CLEAR. It is easy to get lost in the “how” to set a good goal and lose sight of the “why”.
So before choosing a method to set and move toward your goals, get clear on why we have them and the value that they bring to the process.
What makes a goal valuable?
Rather than restate lessons that you have already heard ad nauseam, I am offering a few key values that I like to keep in mind and quotes that speak to me in each of those areas.
1. A goal will move you toward ACTION.
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” ~Pablo Picasso
2. A goal will encourage you to take RESPONSIBILITY.
“Excuses are a time thief. Have a goal, accept responsibility, and take action.” ~Steve Maraboli
3. Looking ahead on the path to a goal will let you anticipate and plan for OBSTACLES.
“When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” ~Zig Ziglar
4. Goals are a COMMITMENT to yourself.
“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” ~Abraham Lincoln
5. A goal allows you to follow your IMAGINATION.
“A goal should scare you a little, and excite you a lot.” ~Joe Vitale
6. When setting goals, we see that there are many OPTIONS along our path.
“You’re standing in a room with a thousand doors, your job is to choose one and ignore the 999 other doors, and walk through that.” ~Tom Bilyeu
7. The best goals will ALIGN with your purpose, values, and vision.
“It’s better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than at the top of the one you don’t.” ~Stephen Kellogg
8. A goal that is VISIBLE to yourself and others is more likely to be achieved.
“People who are scared to communicate about their ambitions are cheating themselves and the world from supporting them.” ~Brendon Burchard
Reflection
What is your favorite quote that keeps you motivated to set and to meet your stretch goals? Share in the comments or send me a message with your favorites.
Check out other blogs in this series exploring intentions.
P.S. Knowing what your compass looks like today is a key first step in alignment. You can start that adventure in the Creating My Compass course.