Gain Goal Clarity in Four Steps

Over the past few months, I have been helping clients who start lots of projects and for one reason or another don't complete them.  They see others achieving goals similar to the ones they dream of achieving one day. Some of them are overwhelmed with the number of activities they have planned in any given day.  Some see everything as a priority, whereas some allow everyone else's priorities to come before theirs.

 After working with my clients to identify their priorities and what they value, I adapted a technique I learned from another coach on determining the effect and long lasting impact of achieving our goals. 

 At any given time we have successes and wins occurring within different areas of our lives.  At the very same time we may be stuck in a few areas of our lives.  

Its a bit frustrating when you have a vision without willpower, support, and knowledge to push through barriers.  

 You will only need two things to start the process of identifying barriers to achieving your goals: 

• Set aside about 15 minutes of uninterrupted time.

• A sheet of paper/pen or pencil or a digital writing tool.

Step #1: Identify at least one short-term and one long-term goal in each area of your life. 

• Sample short-range financial goal: Save $200 dollars for a family day trip to downtown Atlanta.
• Sample long-term health goal: Reduce emotional stress by walking a total of 100 miles each month.

Step #2: Identify potential barriers to achieving your goals.

• Sample financial savings barrier: I do not have clarity on where I currently spend my money each month.  
• Sample walking barrier: I work an average of 50 hours per week. I don't have time to exercise.

Once you identify barriers for each of your short and long term goals in each area of your life, then you commit to overcoming the barrier and shifting your mindset by  stating that your goals are possible EVEN IF the barrier exist. 

• Sample 'even if' statement for the financial savings goal:  My short-term goal of saving $200.00 is possible even if I do not  have clarity on where I currently spend my money each month. 
• Sample 'even if' statement for the health goal:  My long-term goals of reducing stress is possible EVEN IF I work an average of 50 hours per week. 

Step #3: Ask yourself why it's important for you to achieve the stated short-term and long-term goals in each area of your life. Identify the reason you will overcome the barrier. Consider who is impacted whether you succeed or fall short. Notice I did not create a false equivalency of winning or losing.  This technique enables you to learn what is important to you, therefore you win even if you fall short.

State your reason for wanting to achieve your goals in a statement using the word, 'because'.

Sample why statements:

• My short-term goal of saving $200.00 is possible even if I do not have clarity on where I currently spend my money each month because family time is crucial.
• My long-term goals of walking 100 miles each month to reduce stress is possible EVEN IF I work an average of 50 hours per week because I intend to live a long healthy life.

Step #4: Implement a strategy, assess it's effectiveness, and adjust the plan as appropriate.  Overall, keep moving forward.

Sample strategies:

• A strategy to save $200 is to automatically debit $25.00 into a separate savings account every payday. Obviously if you choose to debit a higher amount you will reach your savings goal faster and if you choose to debit a small amount you will reach your savings goal at a slower rate. 
• A strategy to walk 100 miles each month to reduce stress is possible EVEN IF I work an average of 50 hours per week because I intend to live a long healthy life.

Click here or on the image below to download the gain goal clarity worksheet. 

I look forward to learning which barriers you overcame as well as what techniques you have in place to identify and push through barriers. 

Be Encouraged,

Coach Angela