Start with the end in mind!

Dear <$salutation$>

Ever noticed how great it feels to set a goal for yourself – and then achieve it?

It can be the best feeling in the world. So if it feels that good, why can’t we do it every time?

One thing is certain. If you start out with a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you’re very much more likely to achieve it.

Obvious? Not really. All too often the goals we set – in life and in business – are distinctly fuzzy at the edges.

And if they’re not clear even to you, you have very little chance of achieving them.

Imagine setting out from home without actually knowing where you want to go. Do you turn left or right at the end of the road? And what happens after that? True, you’ll finish up somewhere. But you may not really want to be there – and your journey will be pretty much a magical mystery tour.

Suppose, instead, that you set out with the firm intention of getting to Land’s End.

You may take a wrong turning (or two, or three – SatNav isn’t always as helpful as it’s cracked up to be.) You may decide to take a side trip to Bath. You may be seduced by the charms of Devon, or the lure of the Eden Project.

But it’s still pretty certain you’ll finish up exactly where you intended to be – even if you spend more time than you'd like sheltering from the rain in the Land’s End Doctor Who exhibition…

So here are a few tips to setting crystal clear and compelling goals:

1 Define

What do I want?
Describe the goal in the positive: ‘I want to improve productivity’ (not ‘I want to reduce absenteeism’).

How will I know I've done it?
Describe, in detail, what you will see, feel and hear when you have achieved that goal. Picture people working with passion and enjoyment, a sense of achievement, and colleagues sharing their enthusiasm about what they’re doing.

Put it into context
Who? When? Where? How?

2 Qualify

Is it within your influence?
Check whether all or part of the outcome is under your own control.

Imagine achieving the outcome
Does it pass a win/win check?
Does it fit with other people or systems you relate to?

3 Develop your strategy

First step
What specifically will you do - and when?

Follow through
What is needed to make certain this plan will work?
Where and how could it be at risk?
What contingencies can you set up?

Try this approach when you’re setting goals – as part of your annual appraisal process, for instance. You’ll soon start to see some very different results, both for you and for your direct reports. And because you’ll all share a sense of what the goal is, and what it will be like to achieve it, you’ll be much better motivated to work towards it.

And once you’ve seen what a difference it makes, you’ll soon be using these tips to achieve your personal goals, too.

PurpleLine Consulting can give you the support you need to help you set and achieve the goals that will make a real difference to you and your business. Contact us on 01763 245323 to find out how.

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