Peter Drucker, the late management expert once said "Success is goals; all else is commentary."
I would never argue with the amazing Peter Drucker. The considerable wisdom and knowledge of Drucker is not questioned. And I am a set believer in the goal setting process. I've personally seen and experienced the power of setting and attaining goals.
However, I have noticed that a lot of people set goals and still don't get anywhere. I've done it myself. I imagine you have too. This leaves me to believe and determine that something else is required beyond merely setting goals. The process of setting goals is only one of the legs of a three-legged stool; merely one component of the process. Goals are the dreams of life; but habits are the stuff of life. In order to achieve goals of any importance, you will need to formulate habits to move you towards those goals.
Let me give you a personal illustration.I have wanted to publish a book for many years. So, I thought about writing, I investigated the process of writing and I even talked with writers about writing. However, it wasn't until I actually scheduled a set amount of time each week dedicated to writing, that I actually wrote! Think of a goal you have had for a long time now. Are you any closer to achieving it? Then, start to identify and form the habits that are necessary for you to reach it.
Once you've set your numerous layers of goals (I recommend lifetime down, 10 year, annual and 90 day goals) it is crucial to establish that the habits which will achieve these goals. Understand that not just any old habit will work. It is important to identify habits that are directly linked to reaching your goals. I choose to refer to these as 'strategic habits'.
Referring back to the writing example, I had the following habits: I was in the habit of reading books on how to write, talking to authors and brainstorming/daydreaming about writing my book. I even went so far as to get started with writing outlines. Although these were all good habits to establish, it wasn't until I got into the habit of writing on a regular basis that I was finally able to write the book in its entirety. The habit that led me to produce my book was scheduling regular moments to write.
Physical fitness target is another example to consider. To be frank, making healthy food choices and exercising do not make you fit. Most people eat healthy and exercise but merely for the first two weeks of the new year. The goal of fitness can only be achieved by implementing the habit of healthy eating and regular exercise.
Now, let's review the original question: Do you remember that significant goal you want to achieve? Now, given what I just presented, what is a strategic goal that will allow you to achieve that goal?
Establishing these habits forms the second leg of your goal setting platform.
But, what if you can't keep up with those habits? What if you experience a lack of desire or discipline? Often this is where we fall short.
Most people are able to reach their goals by forming the suitable habits. But most of us also have goals that are getting no closer, and connected habits that have never been formed or kept for very long. Do you hold any goals that are unrealized? It is then necessary to institute Partners- the final leg of your tripod.
Community is an vital part of life. You need to take responsibility for your own values and decisions and direction, but once your course is set, you need help to preserve the habits required to reach your goals and realize your dreams.
Where do you find a partner to help you keep that habit and reach that goal? Finding a partner may be as simple as looking to one of your friends, finding a life coach, or a colleague at work. I believe that it is easy to find a partner who will help you get where you are going.
My belief is that the goal setting process is made up of the tripod composed of Goals, Habits and Partners. Each is necessary in order to spur us onto living out our dreams. Establishing this tripod and using these guidelines, your foundation will springboard you into living out your dreams.
Don't hold off. Set your goals (short-term and long-term), acquire the habits that will support your goals and find those key partners who will help you along in the journey to achieve your dreams!
