Value-Added Goals
If you have read my articles for any length of time, you know I am a zealot when it comes to goal setting. I constantly set and reset my goals. I write them down and watch them come to life, and I hope you do the same. But one thing you should keep in mind is that your goals must match your personal value system. If any projected goal doesn't mirror what you believe in, then your chances of success diminish. Your core values, your personal desires and what you truly believe are all intertwined. If you forget about one of them, the whole thing tumbles to the ground. Goal setting becomes futile.
Determining what you believe is extremely important to create a useful listing of goals that actually mean something to you. Your values are standards that guide your conduct, your personal relations with those around you and give you the focus and direction needed to excel in your career. Look at it this way; it's simply your moral fortitude -- that 'little voice' that assists you in distinguishing right from wrong and helps you live your life in a meaningful way.
You must also establish who you are and understand your strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate your abilities and consider your accomplishments and failures. Knowing who you are and what you are capable of prevents you from creating goals that underestimate or overestimate your expertise and directs you toward realistic, attainable goals. Hey, shoot for the moon, but create rational goals. Unfocused direction can cause you to lose many valuable assets, including time, motivation and self-esteem. Believe me; you don't want to go there! Goal setting is a positive exercise, so try to maintain your constructive attitude and examine your situation logically and positively.
Be prepared to update your goals to mirror what is important in your life today. Things change and so should your goals. Update your goals now and again to help you achieve the things you need to do right now. If your situation changes but your goals don't, you could lose your drive to achieve the circumstances desired. Remember, develop your goals based on personal values, desires and innermost beliefs, and create your achievement expectations to match your circumstances. If you skip any of these steps, you could weaken your motivation, fail to work up to your abilities and reduce your opportunities for success.
Developing a road map for life will help you no matter what you do, personally or professionally. When your goals are reasonable and reflect your values and desires, you will become extremely motivated. I guarantee it. If you work hard to attain your value-oriented goals, you will succeed. When you achieve something, your enthusiasm will continue to increase, and compel you to set new, realistic and attainable goals, which will allow you to continue to achieve. Know who you are, know your current circumstances and desires, set your realistic goals, and start to succeed. Do it today.
Originally published in James Dicks: Buy*Sell*Hold magazine.