Concrete and reasonable goals are more achievable!
While developing an intake questionnaire for my coaching clients, I have fallen in love with these two questions:
- Is your goal reasonable in the time allowed and with your current commitments?
- How will you measure your success?
Think about it.
How often do we set goals that are too vague to measure, or too ambitious to complete?
- I’m going to lose weight.
- I’m going to get more sleep.
- I’m going to get more exercise.
- I’m going to be less stressed.
- I’m going to lose 60 pounds before January 1.
- I’m going to get 8 hours of sleep each night.
- I’m going to go to the gym every day.
- I’m going to say no to anything more.
My pal Patty Hendrickson posted a wonderfully concrete and measurable goal on her blog.
I will go to sleep on the same day I wake up.
In my book, that is just about perfect:
- Going to bed before midnight is very measurable. Either she did it or she didn’t.
- This goal is very specific and achievable.
My concrete goal since completing my term on the school board has been to say no to any continuing volunteer position for the next 12 months. My focus needs to be on my family and on my business. Of course, ample opportunities have come along including chairing a committee, serving on the vestry at church, and serving my association. Just because it is a concrete and measurable goal, it doesn’t mean it is easy to achieve. I still struggle with saying no. The siren song of service calls my name. Deep breath time… Time to be strong…
So, it’s your turn. What are your struggles with goal setting and achievement? What works for you? Please share your thoughts in a comment below.
Wishing you low stress and great success.
One Response to “Is Your Goal Reasonable?”
[…] Goals. Think about it. What do you really want over the next month? Setting two or three reasonable and achievable goals can help keep things in perspective and allow you to say no to the things that do not support the […]