We all have a dream. What’s yours? Setting and formalizing your personal goals can be a powerful motivator. And while you’re at it, why not dream big? Bold goals are ones that stretch your imagination. Let’s say you are considering going back to school and you think you could comfortably earn that new degree in 3 years… what would it take to push your ‘comfort zone’ just a bit? Could you do it in 2 years if you took some online course work to supplement it? Or maybe there some free coursework you could take through your employer, like TTEC's TTECU where you can get Six Sigma certified at no cost to you.
Setting bold goals for ourselves is not easy but gives meaning and purpose to our lives. It points us towards a positive direction and provides us with a sense of achievement when it is reached… and even when some of the steps towards that goal are accomplished. Here’s some steps towards setting and hitting those bold goals.
Envision and decide – Think of what you want to do or work towards to… Goals should be self-motivated and exciting. The more vivid you make your vision, the more compelled you’ll be to take the necessary actions to make it a reality.
Document – Scribe your insights, ideas and break throughs. Add a start and end date. Be specific. Break down each bold goal into smaller measurable targets. This will allow you to track your progress. For instance, “I am going to lose 30 pounds by December 31st by losing 1lb a week. I will walk for 1 hour a day, reducing my meal portions and having dessert only once a week.”
The purpose of breaking down your goals on paper allows you to visualize and process how you will get there. Not sure how you will achieve it? Research it! Learn what others are doing. Connect with others. This will also serve as encouragement to act. If other people are doing it, so can you and better yet, you’re not alone!
Revisit your goal – It’s ok to make modifications. Your goals are yours and yours alone. You are equipped with an eraser. If your initial plan is not giving you the progress you were expecting, change them! Work on plan B or even plan C. Make the modifications needed to move forward and not give up. Remember, your bold goal is a vision and every step forward is a step in the right direction.
Learn the art of self-speak – Provide yourself that pat on the back every day. You are capable of achieving your objectives. The more you say it, the more you will believe in yourself and the more you will push yourself. You can do it!
Share your goals – Let the people close to you know of your bold goals. Ask them to help hold you accountable throughout your journey. You are even more likely to follow through when you have other cheering you on. If it's a work-related goal, share it with your supervisor. And at TTEC, our supervisors and coaches have some great tools available to work with you.
A final and last step is to ask yourself… What could get in my way of achieving this goal? What roadblock could I face? Then ask yourself, how would I feel if I accomplished the goal despite that barrier? Now… get it out of your way. If it’s finances for school… investigate your company’s tuition reimbursement benefits, how to get a school loan or what scholarships might be available to you. If it’s your own self-doubt, then refer to the art of self-speak. Whatever it is, take a big bold hammer to that obstruction and start your journey to success!