Life is often compared to an onion: peel back the layers and there’s always another layer to uncover. Change is that way, so is growth and transformation. Every new edge or “layer” reveals another one underneath. Businesses function this way as well; that’s why setting goals is so important.
The question then is, what goals should be declared? I don’t usually write about goal setting mid-year, but it’s a great chance to reflect on how the year is going and it’s never a wrong time to set goals. Here are 5 key qualities you can use to determine if your goals will get you to where you want to go.
The first quality is resonance. The thought of achieving the goal fills you with excitement and even a little bit of fear. I don’t mean fear in the scary monster way, but in the fear of success way. What will it mean to your life if you achieve what you say you want to achieve? Whether it is a money goal or a performance and behavior goal, the effect is the same. If it’s exciting enough, you’ll be able to generate energy to sustain through the effort.
The second quality is evidence. If you cannot find any good reasons for not going after a goal, chances are this is a good goal for you. An example of this is when I was still working in an organization. My youngest daughter was a year and a half and life was very busy. The organization I worked for brought a Master’s Degree program to our job site. It was not an ideal time for me to be in school and yet I could not produce an excuse strong enough to keep me from getting my degree. I completed the degree program and I have never regretted that decision. It has opened many doors for me.
Third is enrollment. Who have you told? Begin telling people, especially the ones that you know want you to succeed. But here’s the catch: tell a few skeptics as well. If you can convince them and get them excited, it will validate the goal even more for yourself. Even more important, if they don’t get excited and you can hold onto your goal despite their objections- it’s a good goal.
The fourth is confidence. A good goal should change you along the way so that the process and pursuit of the goal adds and builds confidence. Achieving a goal is an incredible feeling, and the benefits of the pursuit or the “unintended gains” can be even more fulfilling.
Lastly, a goal should have purpose. Our goals give us something to focus on. A good goal will hold your attention and keep you focused, even when things around you unravel. If the goal does that- it’s definitely one worth pursuing.
Attempting to reach a new goal can be frightening. But if a goal has resonance, evidence, enrollment, confidence, and purpose, the benefits of that goal could be infinite. And for a bonus, have fun in your pursuit!