You’ve set your SMART goals. Are you ready to plan your path to achieving them? It’s easy once you break each goal down into smaller chunks, or small steps that you can take. There are many different paths to a single goal, so remember that you have a number of options available to you.
I found this goal-setting process to be very useful when I first started training in coaching. Goal setting and planning how to achieve our goals are two of the most important ways to ensure that we’re happy with our lives, yet they’re something we never learn in school. Such a foundation skill, however so many people never learn how to do it. And then they wonder why they’re so unhappy in life.
Keep your mind open for this activity. I know that I often remind you of this, but this is especially important for this exercise. Don’t filter your ideas from the beginning: simply write down everything that comes to mind as you answer each question. If something seems challenging or scary, write it down anyway. Remember that sometimes the scary things are simply those that take us outside our comfort zone…which is a very good thing!
If you feel you get stuck on any one goal, you may find it useful to move onto another one to get the process flowing. Once you get used to the process, you’ll find it easier. Ready? Let’s get started:
- Start out with a task meditation to clear your mind of daily clutter.
- In the previous exercise, you wrote down your entire list of goals, using one page of your journal or notebook for each one. Write it at the top of the page, leaving the rest of the page blank. Refer to this section of your notebook.
- Focus on the first SMART goal. Ask yourself the following question: What could I do to make this happen? Write down everything that comes to mind. If you get stuck, ask yourself: What would you advise a friend to do if she wanted to make that happen? Make note of everything that comes to mind, no matter how crazy or silly it may sound. Don’t filter ideas. You’ll be doing that in the next step.
- Each of these notes are options you have for making your goals become a reality. Read through your list once more. Which of these options would you actually like to take action on? Highlight, underline, or circle the number next to these options.
- Now look at each of the options that you’ve selected. When will you take action on it? Write a clear date for completing each action, and write it into your calendar or schedule. Ask yourself the following questions: Will you need help to get it done? What obstacles might you face? Who can help you?
- And, lastly: Who needs to know about this action? Some people find it helpful to make themselves accountable for their goals. Write everything down.
- Go through this process for each and every goal in your notebook. Be sure to make note of exactly when you’ll take each action step, and get it into your calendar or time management system to be sure that it gets done. Review your goals on a regular basis to ensure that you’re getting your steps done.
