| Vision + Goals + Action = Results |
 Imagine a pilot taking off without a flight plan and with only a vague idea of her destination. How is she possibly going to arrive where she wants? Yet this may be the way you are currently journeying through your life. How are you going to arrive at your destination and achieve your goals if you’re not sure what they are or where you are headed? Developing clarity and focus on long, medium and short-term visions of your life can lead you to your dream destination.
Step 1. Visualise your future
Take some time to create a vision of where you want to be in the future. Imagine what you want your life to be in five years and 10 ten years. Then imagine how you want your life to be in 12 months. Write it down, as you would if you were writing a creative story, using the present tense. For example: It is June 2005 and my career is skyrocketing. I am settling $2 million in properties per month and have a great team around me who make this happen… Make sure you cover all areas of your life in detail, including career, finance, family and relationships. Step 2. Set goals
Once you have a big picture view on where you are headed, break your life down into key areas that need attention. Focus on only two to three areas in a three-month period. Staying focused on fewer projects allows you to be more productive and effective, rather than scattering your energy. Like our pilot, once we know the target we can develop a flight plan - steps to get there. Formulate goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, challenging, very inspiring and in present tense. Keep them short and sharp and make them your musts, not just goals. Examples:
• Swim 1km in 25 minutes
• Keep our relationship as great as it was on our wedding day
• Achieve three times budget
• Be promoted to Senior Consultant
• Earn $8,000 a month
• Halve my debt
• Finish the draft of my book
• Win a part in an amateur production
• Start building my dream home.
Step 3. Create a plan of action
Think about where you are now, and work out what you need to do to achieve each must. What resources do you have around you already and what do you need? What has to change? What structures and people do you need for support? What are the steps you need to take? If you’re not sure, how can you find out? Create a plan and strategy and make it happen. Now you have your destination and your flight plan! Remember, sometimes you may need someone else in the cockpit. Often having feedback, support and a sense of accountability can help you stay on track, and this can be provided by regular contact with a friend, networking group, colleague, mentor or coach. I recommend you put a three-month reminder in your calendar to revisit and update your vision and set new inspiring goals. Before you know it, you’ll be landing at your destination!
© Rachael Pickworth 2004. Rachael Pickworth is the director of Rachael Pickworth Pty Ltd and is Co-director in Women's Wealth Forum Pty Ltd. A coach, public speaker and workshop presenter, she is passionate about supporting people to achieve their dreams. www.rachaelpickworth.com.au. Sign up for her newsletter now. |
