Yes, I have failed spectacularly when it comes to meeting some of my objectives for this year so far! Both at work and in my personal life.
I can find reasons...and excuses. It's clearly time to regroup and reorient.
For me, it's important to acknowledge the failure ("spectacular" rather than "miserable"), and look at where it all fits in with my values and priorities.
Take this newsletter for example: I look at my planning chart. Clearly yes, a scheduling plan helps, but only if you look at it regularly and implement it!
I see the big gaps between one newsletter and the next. Maybe not so apt to call it a monthly newsletter?
So, how to get back on track and move forward if you too have "failed spectacularly" in some way or another?
Goal setting gives direction and an action plan for making something real. Making a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound) is a sound first step in making your goal a reality.
But it's what you do afterwards that can make or break it.
Here are 10 essential steps to achieving your SMART goals:
1. Make sure your goal passes the SMART test. To the letter.
And I would add : Action-based, Accountable, Resonant, and Thrilling to the mix.
2. Align your goals with your values. Without values alignment, you are likely to struggle - if not fail - to implement.
3. Share your goals with three to five key people to become more accountable. Don't sabotage yourself: choose people who are supportive and positive.
4. Identify the resources you need to make your goal happen. Those resources might be as diverse as people, time, energy...Whatever you need, find an appropriate way to access what's necessary.
5. Identify ways to save time. Take only the short-cuts that can accelerate your progress and support your goal.
6. Detect potential obstacles. Perhaps it's poor work habits. Or limiting self-beliefs. Or too much on your plate. Take action to clear these hurdles.
7. Pinpoint at least one daily action. The little things you do everyday are what propel you towards your goal.
8. Establish a support structure. Who or what can provide you with encouragement, advice, healthy feedback, a willing ear?
9. Identify and use rewards. Little rewards along the way make achieving your goal more fun.
10. Identify an action you will take right now, after you finish reading this.
And do it. Now!
So, I'm off to follow through with these ten steps so I get back on track towards a monthly newsletter...
- What about you?
- What "spectacular failure" will you turn around?
And I'll be back next month, in August!
