We are kept from our (ultimate) goal, not by obstacles, but by a clear path to lesser goals. (Robert Brault)
We’re all familiar with the importance of goal setting, right? The argument is in plenty of literature and development frameworks. But can goal setting be ineffective? Maybe. Let’s delve a little deeper.
Are we working through the process of goal setting, with our heart and ultimate self-vision involved? Are our goals helping us to feel busy and productive, instead of effective and purposeful?
Let’s bring it back to how we feel today. Are we optimistic or pessimistic about our future? Chances are if we have a lack of goals or choose not to invest in goal-setting, then a pessimistic outlook/worldview will be a factor.
High Hope & Low Hope
Borrowing content from Benjamin Hardy (Personality Isn’t Permanent, 2020) in which he discusses high hope and low hope; those with high hope are driven by their hopes for their future and go out and find a way to achieve it; those with low hope justify themselves with why not to have hope and therefore don’t feel value in setting goals. How do they justify this? By listening to mainstream media (which is highly negative) and investing large quantities of time on social media.
“Without hope there can be no basis for agency, which informs goal directed action.” Dr Smardar Cohen-Cheyna and Dr Martijn Van Zomeren.
Be Selective
One of the concepts we introduce to our clients is called: selective ignorance.
It’s about being very purposeful in what we listen to/watch and choosing only that content that supports our future goals and protects a positive mindset.
The BIG Yes
Another concept we introduce is having a BIG yes, so that you can comfortably and confidently say no thank-you to all the distractions.
What is the BIG yes? It’s your top priority goal, it’s the visionary goal that aligns everything else:
- Your habits
- Your decisions
- Your energy
- Your focus
- Your desires
- Your behaviours
- Your schedule
- Your thinking…
The Goals Shapes the Process
You’ll no doubt be familiar with S.M.A.R.T. framework for goal setting:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-based
Working through this process will help you identify a path toward your goal. From there, reverse engineer your path and it will start to become a visible and achievable reality. This is important, because you can then hold yourself accountable with specific metrics. Another good strategy is to make this goal visible – poster at your desk; talk to others about it – have them hold you accountable; spend time each week revisiting your goal and your progress.
And here is the resulting synergy:
- The more hope you have, the more motivated you are,
- The more motivated you are, the more you are committed to your future,
- The more committed to your future, the more you sustain your BIG yes.
- By committing to and sustaining your BIG yes, you are effectively giving purpose and direction to your daily living. You are living by design.
So what are you waiting for? What is your BIG yes?