Goal Setting and Creating Well Formed Outcomes

Well formed outcomes.

You have probably seen lots of articles urging you to make new year resolutions and goals. Recently we were discussing travel (as you have probably gathered by now we do love our holidays). One of the group, Paul, told us that he had a goal to travel to 100 different countries.  I think Paul was already up to around 70 and so was well on the way. However all of a sudden everyone wanted to count up the number of countries they had been to. Instead of a general goal to travel and see places, suddenly we all had a more specific goal - exactly how many countries we wanted to see and by when. So are your goals specific enough?

(By the way - the UN recognises 195 countries )

There are eight steps to create a well formed outcome:

1. Ask "What do you want?" to elicit goals.

2. Ensure your goal is stated positively and can be achieved by yourself. Write it down. (Written goals are far more likely to be achieved.)

3. Specify the present situation. Ask "Where am I right now and what have I achieved so far?"

4. Ask "How will I know when I've got it?" to elicit evidence.  Ensure you have very detailed answers for "What will I see, hear and feel?" and the context. Write your answers down.

5. Check that your goal sits comfortably with your beliefs and values and that you have considered the wider implications of you achieving your goal. Ask "Is there a price to pay for achieving my goal?" and, if so, "Am I prepared to pay that price?"

6. Identify the resources you need to achieve your goal. Ask "What do I already have and what do I need to acquire?"

7. Commit to taking your first step towards your goal - even if it is only a tiny step and do it!

8. Step into your imagined future achievement now.

Food for thought?