“Oh no! Not another article on goal setting?”

Well until we have everybody clear and focused on how to reach our destinations, we are going to have to continue to communicate as effectively as we can on the ways to get from here to there. And by the looks of things today, I am thinking that we aren’t quite there yet.

So, perhaps this perspective will help you…

Without goals you are rudderless and end up lost.  With properly defined and executed goal strategies, you can have better control of reaching your desired destinations in the time frame of your choosing.

“But what if I have my own way to set and reach my goals? Then ask yourself if they are really getting you were you want to be. If not, check out the “Be-Do-Have” way of thinking about goals and targets.

Be-Do-Have.

A simple but profound formula for success. Applied to goal setting it translates as Focus – Target – Goals.

So how to provide you with some distinction?

Recently I was involved in a discussion about the difference between goals and targets. The resultant revelations were profound so I thought I would share them.

BE focused

This is a state of “BE-ing”. Without focus your future, whether it is for today, tomorrow, next week or next year is foggy.

DO target

Targeting requires action or “DO-ing”. A target is specific and often has associated time commitments. In business a target is often stated as something that is set so that all efforts can be made to achieve that on the way to goal. A target is a short-term specific step on the way to a longer-term goal. Sales targets are commonly set in business. This is a step in getting the total revenue projections.

HAVE a goal

The end result. Something to be achieved. BEING focused and DOING targeting lead to HAVE-ing that goal.

Just to refresh our memories let’s look at some Oxford Dictionary definitions.

Goal

Goal n. 1. Point marking end of race; object of effort or ambition; destination. 2. Pair of posts between which a bal is to be driven in football etc, cage or basket used similarly in other games, points so won.

From these, a goal can only be a noun and is something to be achieved. When one thinks of a football, soccer or hockey goals one sees a fairly large static area in which one can “score.” A goal implies an end point – a worthy objective or a thing to be achieved.  A goal is predominantly externally set. Such a large area to hit implies less focus is required and that there is room to maneuver to hit it.

Any goal worthy of pursuing usually has challenges, obstacles and/or opportunities to address in the process. There is the possibility of looking upon any goal, therefore, with passive interest as it is “passive” by its static nature. The term “moving the goal posts” is often touted but the goal does not move without outside help.

Target

Target n. 1. a round mark for archery, rectangular mark for firearms. v. 1. to aim at or for.

Target as a noun implies the requirement for more focus. As a series of targets are often set in succession to achieve that longer-term goal it is perhaps necessary to ensure short-term focus exists. If not, over time and distance, you will be further from that goal.

To target, as a verb, is an ongoing, “active” process. To target requires tools and techniques to ensure one stays “on target”. Just think of an archer or a marksmen. They are masters of their preferred instrument and have to actively adapt to the surrounding environment (wind, distance etc) to aim for the bulls-eye. No two moments are exactly the same. This requires skill, experience and constant never-ending improvement.

Improving your focus and getting better at targeting means that you will get better at achieving goals. BE-DO-HAVE.

So when next you set goals think of the targets you need to meet on the way. What are they? What are the next crucial steps? Focus and take Action. Not only will you gain points along the way but you are more likely to score a goal too!

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Dr Richard Norris MBA is Head of Global Development Lifestyle Architecture
He speaks, helps clients with executive & business coaching and leadership
Email | Linkedin | Twitter | Web | Skype: richardthemanofaction | +44 1738 827813

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