After the Goal is Set

We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we’ve established for ourselves. – Earl Nightingale

Internet articles on goals are abundant. As are a dizzying number of acronyms for how to set them. You can use:

SMART – LINK
SMARTER – LINK
SMARTTA  (TA=Trackable and agreed)
SMARRT  (RR=Realistic and relevance)
BSQ – LINK 
CLEAR – LINK
PDCA – LINK
SWOT – LINK

Whatever your approach there are certain elements often overlooked. Below are a few things to remember AFTER writing the goal:

• Writing the goal is not enough – seems obvious but often we think just the act will magically produce the motivation. It doesn’t.
• The goal will need adjustment – do not set them in stone; the farther out they are the more adjustment needed.
• The goal must be visible – each of my professional goals is a project folder on my task list [Toodledo] I see every day.
• Goal setter vs problem solver (Bob Biel) – Goal setters create or attain something new. Problem solvers fix or refine what exists. If you’re a problem solver you may want to express your goal in those terms.
• Does the goal align with God’s glory – if it contradicts Scripture it doesn’t glorify God.
• Does the goal align with your strengths – striving outside your strengths is infuriating
• Do they align with your core values – all people have values. What are your core values?
• Consider the obstacles – life throws problems our way. Some are visible now. Identify and decide how to surmount them.
• Consider help – there are people, books and articles that can assist. Enlist them
• Break it down – what are the daily, doable chunks that get you from here to there.

What do you do to ensure your goals are reached?