We’re approaching the end of the second quarter. Almost half the year is gone. How are you doing on your goals, plans, dreams, and progress?
To be sure, recent years have been chaotic and topsy-turvy. 2020, 2021 and even 2022 have been every which way but up. The good news? There is still time to make the most of this year. Time is on your side.
In the past few weeks, I’ve begun to help clients and other coaches focus and narrow down priorities. It all starts with one big question.
When you get to the end of the year and that ball over Times Square starts to drop, and you look back over the year: What are the three things you will be most disappointed about that you did not accomplish?
Three things, just three things. If you can’t narrow it down to three things, make a complete list of seven, eight or even a dozen things. Then, ruthlessly remove items until you’re down to three. Likely, many of those items you scratched off will fall under one of the top three. Or, they may fall into that category of things you don’t need to waste your time on right now.
Now, three things about your three goals:
- Be very specific. Goals like losing weight or getting better at your craft won’t get you where you’re going. Losing 20 pounds or taking an online course in public speaking is stronger.
- Make sure these goals align with your identity. If they don’t, you’re just spitting in the wind. Remember: Who you are determines what you do.
- Why are these goals important to me? Go one by one through each of the three goals. This “why” is not just “because I want to get better”, or someone else believes I should do this. No, dig on this one. Write down everything that crosses your mind. The real “why” will likely be #7 or #8 deep on your list.
Now that you have your list, you’ve refined it, and you know why they are essential; what’s next? Glad you asked. You are embarking on a life-changing season. If you remain laser-focused, doggedly intentional and meticulously deliberate, you will find clarity and build momentum on your road to fulfillment.
Let’s get started.
- What is one thing you can do today to bring you closer to your goal? One step, one thing, one step forward. Do that one thing today. Then, that one thing tomorrow.
- If these goals are your priority for the rest of the year, what else do you need to clear off your calendar, to-do list, or daily routine? Again, ruthlessly clear the clutter until your priorities become clear.
- Set mile markers. In other words, these are points between now and the end of the year that will help you take one step or eat one bite at a time. For example, if you want to lose 20 pounds, set a monthly goal (e.g. 3 pounds each month). If you’re going to be a better speaker, hire a coach, take a course and start speaking in front of people.
- Set deadlines. Each goal has many short-term goals. Give yourself adequate time, but set hard deadlines for each step of the way. Remember: If there is no deadline, it is not real.
- People don’t reach goals alone. Who else needs to be on board? It would be best to have support from family, buy-in from co-workers, accountability partners, and people who have specific expertise. These people must align with your goal and be willing to encourage you and help you see things you don’t see. Seek them out, get them on board and involve them.
- Don’t change your goal, but it’s okay to adjust the path to get there. Be willing to modify and adapt. Don’t be discouraged by detours or potholes, but be resourceful in getting around hurdles and don’t get stuck at crossroads, traffic jams and dead ends.
Finally, back to The Big Question. You’re watching the ball drop this year and usher in the new year. Imagine the chagrin of not accomplishing the three big things. Now, imagine the celebration of the fulfillment of triumph when you do.
Go get ’em.