We’re still focused on Goal Setting December and laying the foundation to ensure goal success in 2022. Last week we prioritized the goals that we wanted to work on in the new year. Now we need to consider the actions we will take – or the activities we will do- to achieve each goal.
For each of those activities, we need to consider the time it will take to complete each one as well as the resources needed to complete it.
This is in alignment with one of my favorite subjects which is Project Management.
As we determine the activities we’ll know WHAT we’re doing, the time frames will help us know WHEN we’re doing it, and the resources will tell us HOW MUCH it’s going to cost us.
So, it’s like we’re creating a mini-project schedule.
Keep reading to see some real examples of goal activities.
The WHAT
What are the actions you will have to take to achieve the goal? Sometimes we get stuck as goal dreamers- talking about or thinking about a goal but never taking the action needed to make it a reality.
By forcing ourselves to consider the actions we will need to take, the closer we are to committing to the goal.
Ideas coupled with action never become bigger than the brain cells they occupied. - Arnold H. Glasgow
Ask yourself the following questions:
· What will I need to do to achieve this goal? (i.e. read two books/articles a month)
· How will I actually do those things to achieve the goal? (i.e. read two books/articles
about emotional intelligence each month every morning before diving into work)
**FORM REALISTIC HABITS
· What else will I need to do? (i.e. utilize 1 thing from each reading in my personal or
professional life each month)
Here is another example:
Goal: Exercise 3 times a week
Activity 1: Research exercise classes, YouTube Videos, and other resources
Activity 2: Determine the exercise to do each week for the next 6 weeks
Activity 3: Put the specific exercise and time needed to complete it into the calendar
Activity 4: Exercise!
The WHEN
Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes…but no plans. - Peter Drucker
Now, we want you to further commit to the when of the goal by considering two aspects. First off, consider if this is a short-term or long-term goal. If it is a long-term goal, consider focusing on a shorter time frame. This can help keep you motivated and focused on what you are trying to achieve.
For instance, the goal to exercise three times a week is a long-term goal, but you can decide to evaluate it quarterly. That gives you 12 weeks to focus on.
Next, for each identified activity, determine how much time it will take you to complete the activity. Base your estimates on your past experience or ask someone else who has achieved this type of goal before. For instance:
Activity 1: Research exercise classes, YouTube Videos, and other resources 8 hours
Activity 2: Determine the exercise to do each week for the next 12 weeks 2 hours
Activity 3: Put the specific exercise and time needed to complete it into a calendar 1 hour
Activity 4: Exercise (45 minutes x 3 times a week x 12 weeks) 27 hours
The HOW MUCH
The final step is to consider how much you will need in terms of resources to complete these activities. For instance, how much money or other resources (such as equipment, materials, or supplies) you’ll need to complete them. Considering this now will help you be prepared when the time comes to focus on goal achievement.
Use the following questions to help you determine what you will need:
· How much money will you need to invest to complete each of the activities?
· What equipment, materials, and supplies will you need to complete the activities?
· If you don’t already have the equipment, materials and supplies identified, how much
would it cost you to purchase them?
For instance:
Activity 1: Research exercise classes, YouTube Videos, and other resources
Laptop, Wifi, Money to Test Exercise Classes ($75), YouTube Premium Membership ($11.99/month)
Activity 2: Determine the exercise to do each week for the next 12 weeks
No resources needed
Activity 3: Put the specific exercise and time needed to complete it into calendar
Laptop, Wifi
Activity 4: Exercise (45 minutes x 3 times a week x 12 weeks)
Money for classes ($25 per class x 1 x week x 12 weeks) $300
Exercise equipment (already owned), laptop, wifi
Join Me for Goal Setting December
Once you complete these steps, you are one step closer to completing Goal Minded December! Use this week’s complimentary Success Worksheet (here) to work through this week’s Actionable Success Steps.
And follow along for weekly blogs, reels, and downloadable worksheets to get you ready for a new year of goal success.
Practice
* Actionable Success Steps
Use these Actionable Success Steps and our complimentary Success Worksheet (here) to participate in Goal Minded December!
(1) Determine which goals you want to focus on for this exercise.
(2) Identify the activities you will need to do to complete the goal.
(3) For each activity, determine the time to complete each activity.
(4) For each activity, determine any resources needed to complete each activity (money, equipment, materials, or supplies).
Learn More
The Growth Group Academy currently provides instruction to strengthen your success skills. Check out our website (here) and sign up for our emails to be the first to learn about more Goal Setting December activities!