Goals Part 2: What do you want? (and why?)

In Goals Part 1 I wrote a bit about conducting an annual review, and the need to make an honest assessment of the state of things. Now we will be moving on to how to actually set your goals. Setting goals is a popular subject to write about, and there is a lot of good advice already out there. With that said I am going to briefly go over a few points.

According to the NSCA, goals should be SMART 

• Specific (the more the better)
• Measurable (lose x pounds, not "get in shape")
• Action Oriented (I will rather than I won't)
• Realistic (if it isn't do-able, you won't actually take it seriously and try)
• Time Restricted (give yourself a deadline)

Those are some good general guidelines to start with. Before I continue though, I have a confession to make. I am a big fan of Tony Roberts. If you are 30 or so you may remember all of his tv infomercials, or if you are younger you may just know him from Shallow Hal or Family Guy. I haven't been to any seminars or met the guy, but I have read his books and listened to his audio programs a few times. I have learned a lot of things from him, but some of the most important things relate to goals.

One thing that Tony Robbins teaches about goals is to look at the outcome that you want first, and then plan backwards from there. He calls it an RPM plan, which stands for Rapid Planning Method- or

• Result
• Purpose
• Map (or massive action plan)

Really it breaks down into What, Why, and How.

This may not seem that interesting but it has helped me tremendously. Start with the Result or outcome that you want. Then come up with a purpose or a why, because if you don't really want it, then odds are you won't follow through and do it. Once you have a strong purpose, you can map out all the steps you need to take in order to achieve your desired result- this could include: hire a personal trainer, get a course catalog from your local college, or polishing up your resume'. If you can't come up with a very good Purpose though, that should clue you in that you might want a different outcome.

It doesn't have to be pretty to get the job done.

It is amazing the inspiration and excitement that writing this all out and making a Massive Action Plan can give you. When you really take the time to come up with a solid why and write all the reasons you need to accomplish this goal, it really is powerful. Make sure you WRITE IT ALL DOWN. I feel like this is a very important point, because as you work towards your goal you will be able to go back and read that purpose, and remind you of the reasons you are doing it. Also writing it down makes it real. When you think about goals and things you want to accomplish it is really just fantasy. When you start making plans though, you are taking tangible steps towards achievement. 

Remember: if you have strong enough reasons to do something, you will find a way to make it happen.