Define, Align and Refine Your Goals.

• Author: Spencer, Sam
• Position: Management

Unless you know how to properly define, align and refine your goals, achieving them will be difficult at best. Managers, trainers and coaches promote goals, demand you set goals, but too often provide little guidance in achieving them.

Do you have trouble setting and achieving realistic goals? Are you confused by which goals to set? The following proven yet simple method will help you define, align and refine your goals.

Step One -- DEFINE your goals on paper

List all your personal, business and family goals. Long-range, short-range, and all the ones in between. Once they are listed, you will be able, in time, to narrow them down. Resist the urge to evaluate them -- simply list all goals on paper. "Listing all my goals enabled me to recognize I can't do everything, I've got to choose wisely," says David Hogan, agency owner of American National Insurance in Salt Lake.

Ask yourself "Why do I want to achieve this goal?" Consider the effects on your family, career and your life. By asking "Why?" you discover your true feelings and motivations.

* Eliminate unrealistic and impractical expectations.

* Identify the goals to which you are willing to commit. If the answer is a definite "no," then the goal is not for you.

Step Two -- ALIGN, by taking ownership

Now you can begin to really evaluate your goals. Ask:

* Is this really my goal?

* Will this goal take me closer to my long-term goals?

* Can I commit myself to this goal from start to finish?

* I visualize myself as having achieved this goal?

* Will this goal have a positive effect on myself, family and business?

By asking these questions, you can align yourself personally with each goal. Be honest! Each goal must lead...