“We should always be practical, realistic, and optimistic.”
Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Every true success story begins with a vision and a plan. In other words, achievement requires a clearly articulated goal and tactical strategies for making progress towards that goal.
For many individuals, articulating your goal is the easy part. You know exactly what it is you are hoping to achieve, but actually achieving it, that’s another story. The problem probably isn’t that you are dreaming too big…in fact, most people allow their self-limiting beliefs, or the fear of failure prevent them from not dreaming big enough.
When individuals fail to reach a goal, it’s likely because they lacked a practical strategic plan to guide them towards success. According to personal success coach and public speaker, Brendon Buchard,
“The problem isn’t that people think too big; it’s that they fail to plan big.”
If you are going to work towards a big and important goal, whether it’s a personal goal or a professional one, you’ve got to take time to evaluate your strategies for achieving success. Ask yourself, “Is this practical? Is this realistic? Is it compelling?” The larger the goal, the more detailed and specific your plan needs to be.
As you consider your goals and work to create or refine your plan for success, here are a few important considerations:
Personal Skill Set
In order to be successful in accomplishing your goals, you need to have the appropriate skill set. As you consider the work that needs to be done, ask yourself:
- Do I have the skills necessary to complete the task at hand? Am I capable of doing the necessary work to accomplish my goal?
- How am I going to compensate for any skills that may be lacking? Will I find a way to learn those skills?
Timeframe
A project without a deadline isn’t likely to be accomplished. For many of us, the temptation to procrastinate is far too great. A practical detail you don’t want to overlook is timing. As you plan, take time to identify:
- What is the start date for my project? What is the desired end date?
- Is this timeframe realistic?
- Is the work that needs to be done a good use of my time? Do I need to outsource some of the work to other qualified individuals?
Resources
Every project has resource requirements, without which you will be unable to make substantial progress. Important resources may include (but are not limited to): money, people, technology, machinery, tools, or office supplies. Ask yourself:
- What are the financial requirements for this project? Where will the money come from (Personal funds, donors, investors, sales etc.)?
- Does this project require the effort and support of other people? If so, who?
- What are the tools or materials you will need to accomplish your goal?
Results
True progress requires continuous feedback. As you begin working towards your goal, start collecting benchmark data that can help you determine whether or not you are making progress, and what areas may need to be changed or adjusted. Truly successful individuals do not wait to check their results until they have completed the entire project, they evaluate results continuously to ensure they are making the best use of their time and resources.
Choosing to pursue your goals is an admirable endeavor. It requires careful planning, motivation, and perseverance. Take this 8-question quiz to learn your Strategic Vision Mastery Score and check your progress towards goal achievement!
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