One of the skills I focus on with clients during Executive Functioning coaching is goal setting. Research suggests there is a relationship between setting goals and performance.
Having a specific and challenging goal creates a template for the planning process. Using the seven steps of goal setting allows for deeper understanding of the critical phases to complete to achieve your goals.
Step 1: Identify Long-Term Goals
The first step is always identifying what you are working towards; what you want to achieve. Write down the goal as way to get it out of your head and put it on your radar and move toward accomplishment.
Step 2: Set a Deadline
Put a date on when you want to complete each goal. Having a deadline increases the effectiveness of your goals.
Step 3: List Obstacles
Creating a list of what might get in your way, allows you to address them in the process. Obstacles may include limited knowledge or information, space, funds, or time. Knowing what might get in your way allows you to begin to plan for these roadblocks and create action steps over them.
Step 4: Identify Helpers
It’s okay to need help and sometimes others can create a pathway through the obstacles outlined in step three. In this step, identify people or groups you need to work with to help you achieve your goals.
Step 5: List Skills
In this step, identify the skills needed to reach each of your goals. You may need a certification or degree or develop your writing or public speaking skills, for example.
Step 6: Benefits
Ask yourself: “What’s in it for me?” Determining what you will gain from the achievement of the goal will help increase motivation and focus.
Step 7: Plan of Action
Develop short-term goals and action steps to break your long-term goals into small, measurable steps. Many times, the long-term goal seems too big and overwhelming, which leads to avoidance and procrastination. By breaking down the long-term goals into small, measurable steps, you create a manageable approach to achieving your goals.
By identifying your goal, identifying potential roadblocks, and breaking it down into small, measurable steps, you create a template for planning. Once the action steps are created, you can begin to add these to your calendar, keeping your deadline in mind and planning backwards.
Reach out to The Conative Group for support in setting goals that are meaningful to you and planning for success in accomplishing your goals and growing personally and professionally.