Creating and Hitting Powerful Goals

Those of you who have worked with me, or who have read this newsletter for any period of time, know that a cornerstone of my coaching work is forward movement. Creating and hitting powerful goals is a foundational practice for moving forward.

The last day of the year is my ritual time for designing who I want to become next. Who do you want to be this coming year? What are you wanting, what are you fearful of, and what are you confident about?

The holidays are such a bizarre mixture of joy, stress, time off, too many commitments, cold and warmth. Sorting out the “want to’s” from the “shoulds” and “have to’s” can be challenging, and sticking to your decisions in the face of pressure from others even more so. But now you’re past that period, with a fresh slate on which to define yourself anew. Where do you start?

The model I use with clients is called VISAGE – this stands for Vision, Integrity, Strategy, Alignment, Goals and Execution (email me at visage@magellangj.com if you would like a copy of the free color pyramid graphic that illustrates this concept). Vision should come first, with all of
the other steps being in alignment with that Vision. This is a concrete way of approaching how to “design your life,” a somewhat abstract concept.

This article will address the Goals part of the equation. If you’ve not yet gotten clear on your Vision for yourself, take an hour of time this week to do that. For help in how to create your vision, please read the two Building Blocks articles on Vision at this link:
www.magellangj.com/building_blocks.htm. Make sure your Vision reflects your ideal life worth living.

On the Goals part of the VISAGE model, consider these precepts as a starting place:

1. Remember your dreams and desires; come from a place of possibility.
2. Let go of why you can’t be or have what you want.
3. When you’ve felt a surge of pride, why was it? What goals can you construct that will bring those feelings?
4. When you think of something you wish you’d pursued, and you hear Homer Simpson saying, “Doh!!” take it as a sign that it’s time to move that goal to the front burner.

Completing Vision and Goal Setting exercises will create excitement and possibility in your life. I have heard some people complain that they have been unsuccessful in hitting their goals, which has left them in a place of “why even bother saying what I want?” But the “A” in VISAGE is for Adaptability. If you’ve not had the success you want, consider trying a different process. Here is the process I use with myself and with clients, with much success:

1. Your goals must be in alignment with your vision and values (VISAGE), to maximize your motivation and success.
2. Write your goals down. You’ve no doubt heard that before, but it bears saying again, as it’s amazing how many people never follow through on this step. I update my goals every December 31, and keep the lists in a folder on my computer.
3. Tell at least one other person what your goals are (such as your coach). Articulating them helps make your goals real, allows for feedback, and puts your commitment beyond yourself.
4. Make your goals a stretch, but possible. This does not necessarily mean “realistic” – you’re trying to find the balance point between what is possible and what is too easily accomplished.
5. Be specific – what is it, by when. Saying “I want career growth” is too vague. “I want a promotion to Vice President or a new job elsewhere with that title by June 13” puts teeth to the goal.
6. Use language that makes it a done deal (“Lose 20 lbs;” not “try to lose 20 lbs”)
7. Hold yourself accountable, and ask for help in being held accountable. Holding yourself accountable means checking your progress against your goals on some regular basis (weekly, monthly, etc.). Consider hiring a coach to hold you accountable as well, and to give you lots of support along the way. Other people who might be available for this include your boss, subordinates, colleagues, spouse, partner or friends.
8. Have milestones that you can win at – don’t make your goals “all or nothing” propositions.

For instance, if your goal is to make 24 more sales than last year, track it monthly. Are you hitting your goal of making 2 additional sales per month? If yes, celebrate! Don’t wait until the end of the year to see if you’ve made all 24 before giving yourself permission to note your achievement. If you’re behind on the goal, either adjust your strategies (S in VISAGE) or revisit the goal itself. Taking pride in accomplishment along the way will help keep your motivation strong.

Think big and reach high. Who knows what may be possible for you?

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Reach Me: Telephone: (970) 259-4847; Fax: (970) 259-4874
E-mail: ginger@magellangj.com
Web: www.magellangj.com

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