Goal setting isn’t just business jargon—it’s a powerful tool that can distinguish between dreaming big and actually achieving those dreams.
Have you ever abandoned your New Year’s goals by the second Friday of January? If so, you were part of the annual Quitters Day, when 80% of people give up on the goals they set for the new year.
Have you wondered why that is? Because I did, and started doing my own research on it. Not very scientific, but practical. I asked a slew of people, including clients, why it is they give up so quickly.
The result? New Year Resolutions aren’t considered true goals by the vast majority of people. As they define them to me, they definitely wreak of dreams, maybe even wishes, which are goals without a plan.
It’s why I am such a stickler for my clients to set their new years or even mid-year goals the right way. Not to consider them resolutions, but SMARTY, and if you’re not familiar with that, let me explain.
You’re probably aware of SMART goals, right? You’re not alone. SMART = Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
But, having coached hundreds of people to set, pursue and achieve their goals, what I found missing from that formula is the Y – Why their goals were important enough to them that they were willing to work hard, compromise, sacrifice, and do whatever it took to achieve it.
The Y creates the energy, focus, excitement, determination, and the will power to go at pursuing their goals in a way that just SMART goals does not. Adding ‘Y’ not only drives motivation but can also drive professional success by aligning individual objectives with a company’s mission. A clear purpose transforms plain goals into passionate pursuits.
To add another layer of certainty of one achieving their goals is to have a firm accountabililty structure in place. That could be friends, family, peers, the boss, a mentor, or professional coach, etc.
According to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews at the Dominican University of California, individuals who wrote down their goals and sent weekly updates to a friend achieved 33% more goals than those who just formulated them in their heads. Imagine what this principle can do for a team!
Goal setting is more than a mere formality—it’s an art that requires intention, clarity, and persistence. By implementing the SMARTY goals methodology and avoiding common pitfalls, corporate leaders can set a clear, motivating path for themselves, their teams, and the business. Then, think about what you can do to achieve your personal goals. It’s powerful. teams.
Ready to transform your approach to goal setting? LISTEN to our latest Shedding the Corporate Bitch episode which focuses solely on goals.
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