GOALS

08
Jan
2024

Five Steps to Help You Achieve Your Goals

The gym was bustling today.  The first two weeks of January you are fighting to use equipment because everyone is set on this being the year they reach their fitness goals.  I applaud that, but over half of them are done by the middle of the month.  What happens?

May I suggest they took the short-term perspective instead of the long view.  When we focus on our goals we may think “how fast can I get there?” versus “how far can I go?”  The second question is a focus on growth.

Setting goals is an important part of any success story. Whether working towards a promotion at work, a degree, or a better lifestyle.  Having clearly defined goals and a plan to achieve them can make all the difference.  I hope these steps will help you set and reach your goals.

Define Your Goals

The first step to setting goals is clearly defining what you’re trying to achieve. Ask yourself what you want to achieve and why. This will help you to stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.

Let’s look at losing weight.  Clearly define how much weight you want to lose or in business what revenue amount you want to reach this year.

Break Your Goals into Smaller Goals

Once you’ve defined your goals, it’s important to break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. This makes them easier to track and helps you stay on track with your progress.

If we want to lose weight or reach a specific annual revenue number, this can be overwhelming.  Don’t worry because our next step will help reduce this feeling.

Create a Plan

Now that you know what you want to achieve, it’s time to create a plan. Start by outlining the steps you need to take to get to your goal. This helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t miss any important steps on your way to success.

How many days will you exercise?  What daily activities do you need to do in order to reach your revenue goal?

Track Your Progress

As you work towards your goal, it’s important to track your progress. This helps you remain motivated and shows you how far you’ve come. You can track your progress by setting milestones and keeping a record of your accomplishments.

Many people create a workout log for their fitness goals.  If you are working on a revenue goal, create a visual chart to track the activities that will help you reach that goal.  Be sure to add an area on this chart to track your results.

Celebrate Your Success

Once you’ve achieved your goal, it’s important to reward yourself. Celebrate your success and enjoy the satisfaction of having achieved something you set out to do.

I’m not good with this one.  I will often set a new goal and not take time to celebrate reaching the goal I was pursuing.  Find ways to celebrate with others as you reach your goals, then start the process again to keep growing.

As you look at these steps, which of them do you need to do better with?  Need help thinking into your goals?  Go here for a goal-setting guide sheet.  Lead Well!

© 2024 Wheeler Coaching Systems, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Randy Wheeler in Lead Yourself
03
Jan
2024

Three Keys to Leading Yourself

               If you know me then you know I spend time regularly at the gym.  This has become a lifestyle habit to keep my chest from sagging to my drawers and manage stress.

During this time of year I smile and get mildly frustrated at the same time.  During the first couple weeks of the year the attendance at the gym increases dramatically.  Around the middle of the month though . . . it drops closer to normal.

What happens?

The same that happens to all of us when we start slipping on our goals.  One of the following three factors is no longer effective.

Vision

“When we know why we do what we do, everything else falls into place.”  Simon Sinek

Whether the goal is becoming healthier or reaching a specific professional goal we often get distracted from an unclear vision.  We may have a goal, but do we have a clear reason why we want to accomplish the goal?

When the goal first comes into our awareness, we should ask “why?” as many times as we need until we determine the real reason we want to achieve the goal.  This clarity will help us maintain focus when multiple other priorities attempt to distract us.

Plan

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”  Benjamin Franklin

This has been quoted by many people but originated with Benjamin Franklin.  We have set a goal and have a clear vision of why we want to accomplish the goal.  The next key is creating a definite plan.  A definite plan does not need to be an A-to-Z map of every detail.  It can be as simple as one step.

Try this.  Write down your goal at the top of a page of paper and then make three stair steps.  What are the three steps you would need to take to accomplish the goal?  There may be more, but what are the major steps that, if you continually execute, you will accomplish your goal?  Write it down and then move into action.

Persevere

“Everything worthwhile is uphill.”  John Maxwell

This is the most challenging key of the three.  We must persevere.  Whether the goal is losing weight or growing your business, it will take discipline and effort.  We will have days we want to quit, and days we fail to execute the plan.

Quite honestly, we will have days we flat-out fail.

Get up.

Take the next step and continue to climb the hill developing the habits that will help you accomplish your goal.  Surround yourself with people who will support, encourage, and push you to keep going.

Setting the goal is the easy part, but executing can be the most challenging.  Which of these areas are you stuck in?  Do you need help with prioritizing as you start this new year?  Check out this resource to help you with prioritizing this year.  Lead Well.

© 2023 Wheeler Coaching Systems

Posted by Randy Wheeler in Lead Yourself
09
Jan
2023

Goals to Grow

Have you ever played darts without a dartboard?

Of course not or if you have it was a very frustrating game because you didn’t know if you were having success.  As a leader you are always moving toward something, but maybe you get anxious when you have to do performance reviews and goal setting for your team.

I was talking with someone about this idea of goal setting for their team.  We discussed how there is a tension to manage in this process.  The tension of comfort.

Before going any further allow me to suggest that the purpose of the goal is to guide the growth.  If we focus on the growth then the goal will take care of itself.  Here are some ideas to consider when setting goals either personally or with your team

Uncomfortable

“Growth stops when you lose the tension between where you are and where you could be.”
John C. Maxwell

Imagine you have a member on your sales team who easily hits the number 100 (add as many zeros as you want).  You know they have more capacity because you’ve resourced them with people to help service their clients.  You want them to get out and keep growing, but you are frustrated since they are complacent.  They need a goal that will stretch them, but they are already a high performer and you are worried they will quit.  How can we set this uncomfortable goal?

Take time to sit down with the individual and ask a few questions:

  1. How satisfied are you with your results? (This helps you gauge their motivation)
  2. Where would you like to be a year from now? (This helps you gauge their vision)
  3. What kind of goal can we set that will stretch you and help you grow? (This invites them into the conversation so they own the goal)

The goal is to collaborate on a goal that stretches them and as the leader you may need to help them see they can do more than they believe.

Reasonable

After you have asked the above questions you then need to decide if the goal is reasonable.  If you are asking the sales person to go from 100 to 200, is that reasonable?  Here are a few factors to consider when determining if it is reasonable:

  1. Time they have – audit the individual’s calendar together and ask what do they need to stop doing so they can move toward the goal
  2. Skills – do they need training to reach this goal? If so, where?
  3. Uncontrollables – are there factors going on in the industry, market, etc. that need to be considered to determine if this is a reasonable goal

These are just a few factors to consider, but there may be more that are specific to your environment.  As you both determine whether the goal is reasonable you may want to consider one final factor.

Personality

Stress is real and everyone handles it differently.  Goals drive some but may stress out others.  A little pressure can create a stress that will motivate, but too much may paralyze.

A certain percentage of the population are wired for goals.  They are drivers.  Others are stressed out by the goals because they want to do it perfect.  Some are stressed because they see it as a change and they don’t like change.  Finally, some see the goal as positive if it is a game.

As you put the final goals together figure out which category this individual is in.  Maybe they work best with an annual goal as weekly or monthly goals will paralyze them to the point of inactivity.  Some may need smaller goals to keep them focused.  Others may need your help on discerning the plan because they want to do it right.  Finally, some may function best when they see their goal helps support the team.

As you discern everyone’s personality you will be able to have the goal setting conversation in a manner that stretches them to grow yet does not create unnecessary stress.

Which of these areas do you need to grow in as you set goals with your team?  Need help thinking further into your process?  Contact me for a thinking partner session.

© 2023 Wheeler Coaching Systems,  All Rights Reserved

Posted by Randy Wheeler in Lead Yourself
17
Jan
2022

Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Part III

For the past couple years on Martin Luther King Day I have highlighted principles from Donald T. Phillip’s book Martin Luther King Jr., On Leadership.  (You can see the previous posts here and here) King was a tremendous example of a transformational leader we can learn many lessons from.

Since I have been focusing on goals and growth over the past couple weeks, I thought I’d explore what Phillips learned about how King approached goals.  Phillips stated:

“A detailed plan of action, accompanied by specific goals, serves to mobilize people toward the future.  It provides much-needed context and purpose for members of the organization.  It helps unify people, motivate them, focus their talent and energy.”

There is a lot to unpack in this statement and I will focus on a few ideas.

Detailed Plan of Action

“We need a chart.  We need a compass. Indeed, we need some North Star to guide us into a future shrouded with impenetrable uncertainties.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

King understood he could provide all the vision in the world and have a dream, but without a plan to help them chart the course he would only inspire.

Leaders are people of action.

Leaders navigate for their people.

Leaders are like the captain on the ship out at sea navigating the course into the unknown.  They see where they want to be, but they must also provide a path for the people around them.

I would suggest at times the course may simply be the next step.  In times of constant change and turmoil as leaders have experienced in recent years it may be impossible to chart a long-term plan so plan as clear and far as possible the next best steps.

Specific Goals

Have you ever tried shooting baskets on a backboard with no rim attached?  Your motivation fades quickly.  Just like the hoop provides a specific goal and motivates people playing basketball, specific goals provide a target for those you lead.  Part of Martin’s philosophy around goal setting was:

“Find something that is so possible, so achievable, so pure, so simple . . . so basic to life that even the [extremists] can’t disagree with it all that much.”

I know I have encouraged us to focus on growth over goals and I still mean that.  Goals give us a target and the challenge is to enjoy the process of pursuing and learning while pursuing the goal.  When leading a group, find a goal that is clear, simple, specific, and resonates with as many people as possible.  This clarity helps with the final idea.

Context and Purpose

“In any movement, you have to have some simple demand around which you galvanize forces.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

King let those he led know they were not entering an easy battle as he laid out the plan and goals for their march on Birmingham.  He recognized he had to have a clear plan and goal that would give people the answer to the most important question:

WHY?

When those we lead know the leader has a clear plan with a reasonable goal their confidence increases.  Their resolve increases the more they agree with the goal.  As a leader take the time to know your plan and your goal for what you want your team to accomplish.  As the team understands these, many will be strengthened to continue to march with you toward accomplishing the goal.

What is your plan and goal for your team over the next week, month, year?  Is it clear in your mind so you can clearly communicate it to them?  If not, take time to get it clear today so you can accomplish together what you are seeking to accomplish.  Need help thinking into this?  Contact me for a no cost to you coaching session.  Lead Well.

©2022 Wheeler Coaching Systems, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Randy Wheeler in Lead Others
02
Jan
2022

Goals to Growth

The annual clock has turned and maybe you have set some goals for this new year.  If you are reading this when it has been posted hopefully you haven’t failed already.  Those of you encountering this around mid-January have possibly hit some bumps.

I have a habit of daily going to the gym and those of us that are regulars smile around January.  During the first couple of weeks people get inspired to go to the gym and we see them in full force at the beginning of the first week.  Then slowly over the next couple weeks they all seem to disappear.  What causes this?

Muscle soreness and the difficulty is part of it.  Not seeing results quick enough possibly could be a reason.  I would suggest a shift in mindset could help.  A shift from goals to growth.  Here are a few shifts that may help you as you pursue something you are trying to reach.

From Passionate to Persistent

We’ve all set a goal and been passionately determined to accomplish it.  I have some goals I’ve established both on a personal and professional level and I’m excited about it.  Here is the problem.  Passion is like the first two hundred meters in a mile race.  We start hard and then run out of energy to finish the race.

Here is the first shift.  Have a passion that is like an established fire.  The slow strong burn from big logs versus the fast flame from twigs that burn out quickly.  How do we build that?  Being persistent.  James Clear in his book Atomic Habits (a great book on changing habits by the way) captures the role of persistence when he says:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals.  You fall to the level of your systems.”1

Systems create a way to be consistent.  To be consistent requires persistence.  As we maintain that commitment even when we don’t feel the passion, we grow and reach our goals.

From Fast to Far

Leadership expert and author John Maxwell heard when he was younger that if he wanted to become an expert on something he needed to spend one hour a day for five years learning about the topic.  He began this journey and wanted to get there fast around year three something shifted.  He went from asking “how fast can I get there?” to “how far can I go?”

This is another shift from goals to growth.  The problem with fast is we get there and then look for the next goal, but may not have learned anything along the way.  Truett Cathy of Chick-Fil-A captures this idea when he responded to people telling him he had to expand the organization.  He said:

“If we get better, our customers will demand that we get bigger.”2

Do you have a goal to get big fast?  Maybe you need to pause to think how you need to grow so others demand that what you lead gets bigger.  Maybe your team needs to be developed to handle growth.  Think far not fast and see what happens.

From Do to Become

I like to get things done.  When I was in college my thinking shifted.  I was concerned with what I could do to feel worthwhile and of value.  I had some people speak into my life during that time who reminded me I am not a human “doing”, but a human “being.”

I believe each of us has been designed on purpose for a purpose.  Yes, the purpose involves doing something, but our value is not in what we achieve or what we do.  Our value is in who and whose we are.  This final shift is recognizing we are on a journey to grow to our full potential to accomplish what we were put here to accomplish.  That may be building a business, being the best at a specific technical skill, being a great spouse and parent, or many other possib.  I think John Maxwell put it best in his book Leadershift when he said:

“When you get better, it makes you bigger.  Growth is sustaining.  Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow will be better than today.”

My friend how will you shift from goals to growth?  Need help breaking through thinking that is preventing you from growing?  Contact me for a no cost to you coaching session.  Grow to your full potential and lead well.

© 2021 Wheeler Coaching Systems, All Rights Reserved

 

  1. Clear, James. Atomic Habits.  New York: Avery, 2018.
  2. Andy Stanley, “Better Before Bigger,” Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast, May 3, 2013, MP3 audio, https.//store.northpoint.org/better-before-bigger.html.
Posted by Randy Wheeler in Lead Yourself
27
Dec
2021

Planning for the New Year

One holiday ended and we are rapidly approaching the New Year.  This is the time people set a goal or a “resolution” and inevitably within weeks break that resolution.  Last year during this time we had to get out of town because of the craziness of 2020 so my usual reflection didn’t not happen.

This year I will take time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next both professionally and personally.  I know this, I am the limiter to my success.  If I don’t take time to plan a path of growth, I will limit the potential success I can have. 

Last year around this time I shared a friend’s method of evaluating the year.  This year can I share with you a personal growth plan?  If you read to the end you will see a link to a page where you can get a free resource to help you think into your growth plan.

Vision

Purpose and vision can easily get confused.  This is when we are asking what am I about right now?  Purpose is our “why” behind all we do.  For example, I do what I do to help leaders transform so they can be transformational agents at work, home, and in their communities.  A vision statement for this purpose is what I am about for a period.  For example, on a personal level my vision is to equip my children to be men who know and live out their purpose.  This vision will change as they leave my home.

A professional vision specifically relates to your professional life.  You may desire to get promoted to a new position or grow your business results to a certain level.  Maybe you see an area you need to grow in professionally that you want to focus on.  This vision is something that will keep you moving toward your professional goals.

Top 5 Values

At times with one on one clients I challenge them to determine their values.  Knowing our top values serves as a filter for knowing what to say no to as we make decisions.  Many tools exist that can help you determine your values.  If you need help determining your top values let me know and I can provide a resource to assist in that process.

Top 3 Goals

This is where we get very specific.  Look at the next thirty days and decide what are three specific, measurable, reachable, and stretching goals you want to accomplish both personally and professionally.  Next look at three months and determine the same answer.  Finally determine what the top three things you want to accomplish this next year are both personally and professionally.

Annual Personal Development Goals

This final section is broader and more focused on intentionally developing ourselves.  In the book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership author and leadership expert John Maxwell’s first law is The Law of the Lid which states:

“Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness.”

We are the lid on our business, leadership, and life.  This final section helps us think intentionally about ways to raise our lid by increasing our awareness.  One of the ways to accomplish this is learning from others.  As you think into the year ahead what books will you read, people will you intentionally meet and learn from, and events will you attend to help you grow?  This will provide a simple personal growth plan to maintain.

One Word

For a few years now I have decided on a word for the year.  This may or may not be a beneficial exercise for you.  I find it provides a simple purpose or vision for the next twelve months that I can easily remember.  It could be courage, focus, trust, discipline, or any number of words.  Don’t overthink this one.  Let the word come to you.  You will know it when it does.

I hope you have found this helpful.  As I mentioned at the beginning if you want a resource to help you walk through this process go to https://bit.ly/WheelPGP to receive access to your free growth plan guide.  Make the most intentional and purposeful year yet!  Lead Well.

© 2021 Wheeler Coaching Systems, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Randy Wheeler in Lead Yourself