Leadership for success – Why goal setting doesn’t work

That’s a very sweeping statement, I know.  In fact, goal setting is a vital part of any coaching or performance management process and Leadership would be a very scary place without it.  However, my years as a professional coach have taught me that so many people – TOO many people – set goals that will never become a reality.

So why is that?  The answer lies not in the WHAT of what we seek to achieve; whether in work, relationships or any other area of our lives, but in the WHY.

As Simon Sinek would say, start with the WHY.  Motivation is the key to achievement.  In order to discover our WHY, it’s necessary to explore that goal and it’s connection to our lives at a deeper level than most people bother with.  The first thing to do is to consider the various aspects of your life as separate and yet profoundly interconnected.  There are six key areas, which are:

1. Family – your immediate and extended family circle
2. Relationships – work, social, friendships etc
3. Work/Career/Job
4. Finances – many people say it’s not about money and yet finances play a key role in the lives of most of us
5. Spiritual and Personal Development – where we place our focus in developing ourselves as “better” human beings
6. Health and Wellbeing – pretty self-explanatory?

Here are some questions for you to consider in finding your WHY:

1. What is it that you REALLY want?
2. If and when you get that, what will be its impact in each area of your life as shown above?  Look at this from both the positive AND the less positive aspects.  You see, one of the issues with goal achievement for many people is that they consider only one or two areas.  For example, a person seeks promotion on the workplace because of a) money and b) better “things” for the family and yet they may overlook the impact on their family, health from longer hours, increased pressure etc.  I call this a study of consequences.
3. What will achieving your goal bring you at a non-material level (not money or things) that is important to you – and in any area of your life.  It may not be relevant to all six and yet it’s important to ask the question and not to make an assumption.
4. When you get THAT, what will it, in turn, bring you that is even more important? – again at an non-material level.

When you have explored all six areas of your life and know exactly what is in it for you to achieve that goal, ask yourself THIS question:

Do I still want it?

If the answer to THAT question is YES, then watch for the next part of this article, which will show you how to begin turning that goal into a solid, tangible, crystal clear reality.

For now, you have begun the most important task – to establish your WHY, your PASSION for achievement and THAT is a great first step.

.