What is your vision for your business or career? What are your dreams for yourself and your family?
We all have dreams and visions for the future that inspire us. Some of these are big “someday” dreams, others are short-term visions such as our next vacation destination or the career promotion we are hoping for in the next year. Dreams and visions are connected to feelings that can help us look up and see a better future. However, dreams and visions take a step toward reality when we decide exactly what we want.
In the SMART-EST goal framework, the first “S” stands for SPECIFIC. This is the step where we narrow down an idea into a definite decision. Instead of the dream to “go somewhere warm and relax on the beach” we make a decision to visit Cabo San Lucas this next year. Instead of the vision of “becoming a manager,” we make the decision to talk to our boss and get approval to complete a management training program. With making a specific decision we have started moving our dreams and visions into a concrete goal or multiple goals for those big “someday” dreams!
So how do we do this? First, give yourself time and permission to dream a little! What do you want your business to look like three years from now? If you are a manager, imagine a high-capacity team where you can consistently get important work done with minimal complications. As an individual, what is your dream job? What is your ideal lifestyle – do you want to travel the world or live in the mountains surrounded by nature?
Next, let’s brainstorm!
There are multiple ways to achieve your dream or vision. Your job is to develop the best goal for RIGHT NOW that starts you in the direction of your dream. Brainstorm 3-4 different goals that would start you towards your dream. If you struggle to be specific, chances are the idea is still in the daydream stage OR you need to break down that dream into several goals.
Finally, make them actionable! Specific goals should start with a verb. Here are examples of specific, actionable goals:
COMPLETE a class in meeting facilitation and demonstrate my new skills by facilitating our next annual department review meeting
REACH out to at least 10 potential clients every week with a personal e-mail message
So, have you set aside time to dream, brainstorm and choose specific goals? If so, Congratulations! You are now well on your way towards goals that will lead to achieving your dreams!
Need some help working on your goals? Check out our Master Class Courses page for our goal-setting course starting on January 17th!
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