We all have goals, or at least have some kind of idea of what we want in the form of a goal. But do we just give goal setting and dreaming lip service or are we committed to the goal fulfillment?
I think the thought of having a goal is enough comfort for many of us and actually gets in the way of us achieving our goals. We tend to get comfort by having the illusion of a goal as enough without actually doing anything about it.
How many times have you listened to a smoker and heard him or her say they were going to quit smoking when January 1st rolls along or some other significant date, while they were reaching for another smoke. Or the story of an out of shape person saying :saying as soon as the weather improves....as they lounge their time idly away on the sofa.
Goal fulfillment is a problem in the workplace as well. Many of us think of ourselves as good realtors when in fact we have the habits of non producers. Happens all the time.
So how do you know if the goal you have set is really a goal you want to achieve? In my coaching I have used this test. Determine the most priceless thing in your possession. I don't mean houses or cars, but something which is incredibly priceless to you. Could be a treasured photo of a loved one, sea shells which hold personal memories, or a beat up old guitar given to you by someone special. Ask yourself if you are willing to risk this priceless object to achieve what you say you want to achieve. If the answer is yes - then your goal is real. If the answer is no - then you still are giving lip service to goal setting.
Next - put that priceless object on the line. With someone, commit to losing the object if your goal isn't achieve within a specified time. Give the object to that person, to be returned to you if and only your goal is reached.
Takes guts, but it is a true test of your goal.
Comments