How about those Denver Broncos!  I love rooting for the underdog.  I love it even more when they pull it out!

As promised, this post will focus on values based S.M.A.R.T. goals.  In order to be successful in reaching the goals you set, you have to establish your goals in alignment with who you are and where you are headed.

I can’t think of a better example of this than what we just witnessed by the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. They played an offensively safe game based highly on a strong defensive team.  This worked because they know who they are.  Their head coach knew what his Defense could do and he knew that Peyton Manning had the restraint to play it to win.  They knew what they were after, they built a plan to get there and they executed that plan.  OUTSTANDING!

[Tweet “”A goal properly set is halfway reached.” ~ Zig Zigler”]

You can do the same!  The previous 4 blog posts took you through the work required to setup your personal platform.  You became clear on your core values (who you are), life purpose (why you are), vision (where you are going) and mission (how you will get there).  Now, it’s time to establish S.M.A.R.T. goals that will make it clear what you will do to get there.

The BIG (really HUGE) difference is my approach is two-fold:

1.  You have clarity through the Personal Platform process (see the recap below)
   
2.  Your goals will be values based S.M.A.R.T goals – no more setting yourself up for failure!

Values Based S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Begin by keeping your core values, life purpose, vision and mission in front of you.  These items are a part of you – they should be invigorating to you.  You need these passion drivers as visible reminders.  Have them as a screen saver, typed up in a frame, as reminders on your phone – whatever works for you.

Begin by writing a draft of the goal you want to set.  Next, think through:

• why do you want this goal?
• what is the BIG benefit of achieving this goal?
• what is the pain if you don’t achieve it?
• how does it support your Personal Platform?
• what obstacles will get in the way and how will you deal with them?
• what resources do you need to achieve your goal?
• what resources do you already have that will help you achieve your goal?

Once you have thought through the items above, it’s time to finalize your goal.  Taking into consideration everything you know, finalize your goal ensuring it is:

When writing your goal, don’t get hung up on all the details of the tasks needed to accomplish your goal.  First things first.   Make sure your goal contains the right components (S.M.A.R.T.) and that it supports you and the life you were created for (your Personal Platform).

Specific – let’s say you want to lose weight.  If your goal says only that, you will not be very encouraged because there’s nothing specific to shoot for.  “Lose 10 lbs by April 1 is much better.”

Measurable – this goal clearly states that you are planning to lose 10 lbs.  This you can measure along the way and you will know when you get there.

Attainable – is losing 10 lbs by April 1 an attainable goal for you?  Seems like it would be for most people.  However, if you are having an operation on your foot in 2 weeks that is going to have you recuperating and in therapy for 8 weeks then, this is not going to be attainable.

Relevant – is this goal supporting your Personal Platform?  If losing 10 lbs by April 1 does nothing to support your purpose and vision, beware that your chances of self-sabotage are very high.

Time-bound – clearly this goal is set for a specific point in time.  That’s good!

Repeat this process for each goal you determine needs to be established.  I would suggest no more than 5-7.  For some people it may be wise to go with only 2-3.  You want to challenge yourself, but you don’t want to overwhelm yourself.  Pray and seek guidance.

Your Priority Action Plan

Once you finalize your goal it’s time to plan out the FIRST 1, 2 or 3 action steps needed to start on the path towards your goal.  A word of caution here…

You may find yourself wanting to think of every step for the next year (or however long) that is needed to get to your goal.  PLEASE DON’T!  This will simply serve to overwhelm you.

I HIGHLY suggest that you only work on the first couple of tasks.  The tasks to be done after those will naturally rise up.  If tasks come to mind that will need to be considered down the road, feel free to add them to your task list, but don’t let yourself get side-tracked into working on those tasks.

By working with 2-3 tasks at a time, you will have accomplishments you can see, you will gain confidence and you will keep overwhelm at bay.  Furthermore, you will easily be able to see what your top priorities are that must get done.

We are going to talk about priority scheduling in the next post!  But until then, identify those top 1-3 next steps and give them due dates.  Don’t be arbitrary with your due dates.  Consider what you are committed to and therefore, be realistic but, realize you need to challenge yourself as well.  No challenge and you will lose sight of it all.

Personal Platform RECAP:

(Click on the item to see the relative blog post)

Core Values
Life Purpose
Vision
Mission
Values Based S.M.A.R.T. Goals – do this now!
Priority Scheduling – Feb 16
Boundaries for Success – Feb 23

 

I am passionate about YOUR SUCCESS! 

 

Contact me TODAY for
“PERSONAL PLATFORM” Coaching

SPECIAL PRICING available during February

 

 

So let’s keep focused on that goal,
those of us who want everything God has for us.
If any of you have something else in mind,
something less than total commitment,
God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!
Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

Philippians 3:15-16 (MSG)