Litmus Test Your Goals
Coaching Tip #29
Do you have a goal that is so important you have written it on a piece of paper and put it some place that forces you to stare at it every day? That piece of paper is so much more than the words on it. It becomes a symbol, a direction you are committed to, a daily reminder of your intent. When necessary, it becomes the motivation to keep going, despite the setbacks.
Writing out your goals and reminding yourself of them are proven strategies in goal attainment. If you do not already utilize this strategy, I invite you to consider it. It has certainly been part of my methodology since I first ventured into competitive sports 44 years ago.
When I was an athlete, my goals were focused on results at specific competitions.
Once out of sport, my goals were directed toward acquiring new types of titles, and making money.
As a parent, my goals shifted toward those familial responsibilities.
In the last eight years, my goals are concentrated on learning, writing my book, creating my online course, and providing value to my clients and others I interact with.
To each one of these goals I applied a litmus test of courage. Is this goal stretching my comfort zone and challenging me to a point where success is not a guarantee, but rather requires a level of bravery? That test includes the audacity to place those goals in plain sight of my random glances all day long. I have learned over the years not to set goals that do not meet this test. Courage is a muscle that (for me) needs exercise.
When you are known as a smart or high performer, it can be easy to set a goal that may appear challenging to others, but in reality does not require you to step outside your comfort zone. This kind of goal-setting is more about maintaining an image. It is never demanding enough to risk not achieving it. You can accomplish it, and subconsciously this allows you maintain a positive self-image – while at the same time avoiding the potential for failure. Those sort of goals are not significant enough to place on my wall.
If you have a dream or a deep desire to achieve something, it will require risk.
You must practice saying “yes” to the opportunity.
And of course there are no guarantees. For me a real goal presents a variety of challenges that test my resolve. My goals are not straight lines to achievement but rather waves of upward, sideways, and downward movement. Conquering the daily ride, is in itself a form of joy and satisfaction.
As we head into the second half of 2020 think about what your litmus test is when you set your goals. Once you decide on your goal parameters, stick with them.
That is how you will eventually see real results.