I am pretty sure that most people do not really know what they want. Oh, I think they think they do. However, my experience tells me otherwise. And I’ll use myself as an example.
Last year was a really important year for me. And I intend to make this year even better.
Last year, in January 2021,I wrote down 3 primary goals:
Move from my corporate job to Leadership Harbor
Get some finances in order
Build relationships through camping
These are the goals. Then came some desired metrics. Then came the unknown. How do I get there? I want to be clear - I did not achieve everything that I wanted. However, I DID achieve the MOST important piece of each of these 3 goals.
I made decisions throughout the year with these 3 goals in mind.
And recently, I have developed a short phrase/question to help clarify my actions - “What is the desired outcome?” I am using this phrase to assist me in nearly all of my major discussions and decision making process. By keeping the desired outcome (in this case, my 3 primary goals) in mind with any and all decisions or actions - I gradually, if not daily, made progress towards each of these primary goals.
I knew that if I wanted to move from my corporate job to Leadership Harbor, I needed to keep building my presence in and for Leadership Harbor. I needed to keep this desired goal in mind.
The most important step to achieve this is Intentionality. This involves both in my thinking and in my daily actions. I’ve always been a goal setter, more importantly, I’ve always been a written goal setter. However, I have not always been as intentional about the daily importance of focused actions. I’ve done some “work” that is appropriate, but not the key work. And then I wonder why my results are taking so long. Let me also stress, this is why you make goals in the first place, without goals, there is no target or “picture” or map with which to set out on your journey. There is no idea on how to prepare. If I decide to go on a cruise, but I don’t know anything about the cruise or where it is going, then I don’t know how to pack (should I bring my swim trunks (Caribbean cruise) or my parka (Alaskan cruise). I must determine the appropriate details.
Written goals - are our way of being honest with ourselves; and providing a metric with which we can gauge if we have reached the point that we desire.
Prior to Covid, when I was working at the office, I was allowed to “practice” the business of Maxwell leadership development by doing masterminds on site. With Covid, it was difficult to get people to “come to the table.” Many were overwhelmed with the changes required with Covid. And during this time, the reporting structure changed, and my “boss” changed. I was no longer allowed to add value to people’s leadership development in the corporate world. In order to do what I was “called” to do, I must move on. Frustrated - yes; and yet so ready to move on. I realized that I had been training “in the Harbor” and I was fully ready for the next step.
That’s why I am sharing this story with you -
I have made the same mistakes. I have seen others make the same mistake. And I guarantee that if you set specific goals, with focused actions, you will come closer to achieving your goals in the timeframe desired than if I decide fate to take care of me.
And to touch on the other 2 goals - we were able to get a business debt paid off. And my wife and I purchased a camper. One that would allow us to bring another person or two along with - building relationships. This year, my plan is to camp for a minimum of 30 nights.
What are your goals for 2022?
Did you set some at the beginning of the year? How is your progress? Are you satisfied with where you are, disappointed or even frustrated? No worries - there is still time! If you are looking for a “Thinking Partner” to assist you or even hold you accountable, I currently have openings. Start with a complimentary consultation to see if we are a good fit. If I could add value to your pursuits, what would that do for you?
Unlock your potential - NOW!