Getting from Here to There: Reaching Your Goals

Mike Nwankwo Apogee Leadership Group

“Are we there yet?” How many times have you heard that question from the back seat of your vehicle during a road trip? Or how about, “Why is it taking so long?” Kids can be very impatient. To them, it is as though they are just riding in a car going nowhere fast. That’s the way it is for some adults also… going through life getting nowhere fast. How do we change that? Growth focus and specific goals.

If you are a leader, goal setting and goal achievement should not be new to you. However, the tips in this blog should be very helpful for those on your team. This process is taken verbatim from Brian Tracy. As leaders, we need to subscribe to the mentality of John Maxwell who personally stopped asking, “How long will it take?” (goal setting only) to “How far can I go?” (a continuous growth mentality). The kids in the car want to know when will we get there. Life is a journey. If we can help them enjoy the journey, not only will they appreciate the destination, they will be better equipped for future journeys. Stated differently, not only will they appreciate reaching their goals, they will be better equipped to learn the process (growth mentality) of reaching various goals. And now the process…

The Seven Step Process for Setting and Achieving Your Goals

• Decide exactly what you want in each area of your life. Be specific!
• Write it down, clearly and in detail.
• Set a specific deadline. If it is a large goal, break it down into sub-deadlines and write them down in order.
• Make a list of everything you can think of that you are going to have to do to achieve your goal. As you think of new items, add them to your list.
• Organize the items on your list into a plan by placing them in the proper sequence and priority.
• Take action immediately on the most important thing you can do on your plan. This is very important!
• Do something every day that moves you toward the attainment of one or more of your important goals. Maintain the momentum!

Brian Tracy said, “Eat the frog!” This means tackling the most difficult item on our to-do list first. Get it out of the way. You will feel a sense of accomplishment that gives you the energy to complete the other tasks. John Maxwell said, “Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” Set goals. Accomplish your tasks. And continue to grow. Lastly, remember what Henry David Thoreau said, “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Think about this blog the next time you hear, “Are we there yet?”