If you have got as far as setting a goal then good for you as most people don't set goals - professional or personal.
However, a goal without action is more of a dream that you may or may not achieve.
A good starting point is to review your goal and check it is specific (i.e. it is what you want), measurable (otherwise how will you know when you have achieved it) achievable and realistic to you (be honest and challenge yourself on this one) as well as time-framed (when do you want it by).
The next step is taking action - this puts you in control of the outcome. So what is a good process for taking action?
The following is a good exercise which suits most people:
- Using Post-it notes brainstorm all the things that need to happen for you to achieve your goal with each separate action outlined on a different Post-it
- Put the Post-it notes into order - what needs to be done first, second and so on
- Date when each element is to be completed by
- You now have your key milestones. If you need to take further actions to achieve an action, take each of the milestones and start again i.e. brainstorm all the actions you need to carry out to achieve the first milestone and repeat the above 4 steps
- Put all dates and actions into your diary - aim to achieve a mini-goal every week
- Take action each day. Ask yourself: "What action could I do today that will help in some small way towards my goal?"
Taking action is a discipline or habit that you will quickly get used to if you follow this type of exercise.
You will also notice by being proactive you achieve your goals quicker than you otherwise would and you are more likely to achieve your goal than by not taking action.
Let me know how you get on by writing a comment on this blog and - if you want to - please get in touch via our website West of England Coaching and Counselling.
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