–Be intentional about where you’re going.
There’s a famous story about Albert Einstein losing a ticket on a train. When the conductor comes around to collect tickets, Einstein frantically searches his pockets and bags. Recognizing the scientist, the conductor reassures him that it’s okay and that he can purchase another ticket.
But Einsten keeps searching for the missing ticket, getting more upset as he fails to find it. Finally, the conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, we know who you are. Don’t worry about it. You don’t need a ticket. We trust you.”
Einstein replied, “Young man, I know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”
Why goals matter.
One of the most brilliant men in the world recognizes that being on a train is impractical if you don’t know your destination. Every day, we ride on a train called our life. We may have a pleasant ride without goals, but we won’t be living our dreams by maximizing our potential.
Einstein, for all his brilliance, was often described as absent-minded. We can also forget where we’re going when we get caught up in the busyness of work and life.
If you find yourself in this place, refresh your goals or create new ones.
Start small.
Sometimes, identifying worthwhile goals is overwhelming. You can want so much that you don’t know where to start. Try narrowing it down based on the highest need or randomly choosing one. What matters is that you practice the process of goal setting, commitment and follow-through.
If nothing goal seems worth the effort or what you want seems too hard to achieve, you need inspiration. Spend time imagining what would renew your sense of adventure, purpose or well-being. Consider breaking up any too-big goals into smaller milestones.
For example, if you want to get a degree but already work full-time and have a family, focus on completing one course a semester instead of how to take four years off. Reflect on how you can get help from others. Remove something from your weekly calendar to clear space for a few study hours.
How to set goals.
Goal setting is more effective when you have a clear strategy for achieving them. Writing down SMART goals is a great exercise to create a road map that makes any goal doable.
Be Specific about what you want. Define how you will Measure the results. Describe how the goal is Attainable for you. Explain why it’s Relevant for your success or happiness. Create a Timeline and deadline to stay on track.
How to commit and stay committed.
Decisions rule out every other possibility. Commitment is easy when you make an actual decision. You’ll know you’ve done this when you can say no to distractions easily.
To increase your resolve, go back to the SMART strategy and refine each step until you can say every word aloud with conviction and confidence. Create an energizing picture of yourself enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Be as bright as Albert Einstein. Insist on having your ticket. Know where you’re going for a first-class life.
Til next week,
Jo-Aynne Von Born, Executive Coach
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Work Your Authentic Genius.
Grow and flourish with your own intelligence!
- How do you struggle with goals?
- What typically gets in the way?
- What’s more important to you, a pleasant or first-class life that maximizes your potential? Either answer is okay. You know what you want deep down in your heart. Self-honesty is what counts.