Goal setting is foundational to finding success in leadership or life coaching. In fact, the coach’s primary tool in helping clients advance towards their best selves is through setting SMART goals at the end of each session. These are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. However, each of us should also be thinking bigger, moving towards something that others may call a “pipe dream” - unreasonable and unattainable. Consider this paragraph from Coaching for Breakthrough Success, by Jack Canfield and Peter Chee:
“In addition to turning every aspect of a client’s vision into a measurable goal, and all the quarterly, weekly, and daily goals that he routinely sets, encourage him to set what we call a ‘breakthrough goal’ that would represent a quantum leap for him and his career. Most goals represent incremental improvements in our lives. They are like plays that gain you four yards in the game of football. But what if the client could come out on the first play of the game and throw a 50-yard pass? That would be a quantum leap in his progress. Just as there are plays in football that move you far up the field in one move, there are plays in life that will do the same thing. They include things such as:
Losing 60 pounds
Writing a book
Publishing an article in Fortune magazine
Getting on Oprah
Winning a gold medal at the Olympics
Successfully setting up your company in another country
Getting your masters or doctoral degree
Getting certified as a professional coach
Opening your own spa
Getting elected president of your union or professional association
Hosting your own radio show
The achievement of that one big goal would change everything. Wouldn’t that be a goal worth pursuing with passion? Would that be something to focus on each day until you achieved it?”
Did that resonate with you? Combining this tool with introspection on where God is leading your life will give you clarity on both the direction you want to move and the steps you need to get there.
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. --- Proverbs 16:9
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. --- Proverbs 3:5-6
Do you have a breakthrough goal in mind that you would love to reach, but can’t get started? Don’t let anyone tell you can’t but believe in yourself that anything is possible. Let me help you achieve your dreams. Schedule a free discovery session today.
Blessings, Jim Sullivan
“You want to set a goal that’s big enough that in the process of achieving it, you become someone worth becoming.” --- Jim Rohn
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