IT’S HARD TO SCORE WITHOUT A #GOAL
I know what you are thinking — goals are such a pain! On the one hand this is true, and you will certainly have much more fun without bothering about goals pressurising your free-thinking mind.
Let me remind you of something mentioned earlier, however. It really is hard to score without a goal. Goals have to be realistic, motivational and inspirational. You need to make them specific, measurable and time-bound.
Before you start to define them, make sure that you understand the difference between goals and objectives. Goals are the desired outcome we seek, bringing us towards our vision. Objectives are specific and concrete outcomes and milestones towards our goals.
First you set your goals, then your objectives. Don’t get me wrong, objectives are also goals, but figure further down the hierarchy.
We need goals, not for a rush or kick, but because creating sustainable goals is essential. We need goals that are worth suffering for and investing your passion, your time and your money in. We need to do the right things (effectiveness) instead of just doing things right (efficiency). How many people went up the career ladder quickly only to find out that the ladder is propped up against the wrong wall? The right goals can give great satisfaction if they are related to adding value or to helping other people. For most people time is the most important tool, but instead of a watch to control time, it is probably better for us to take a compass. That helps us to ask ourselves the right question: where do we want to be/go/work tomorrow?
The slowest, the one who is focusing on his goals, will always be faster than the one who is running around without a goal.
Let me give you one example to make all of this clearer. My goal is to inspire other people to find their way. My objectives are to write two books about this topic and run at least five workshops this year. You see the difference? The goal is more abstract, the objectives translate it into measured steps. These would be difficult to work out without fixing on the goal.
