Goals: They Need More Than Setting
In North America, today is Labour Day (Labor Day, for my US friends and neighbours :) ). For many folks, this holiday is also seen as the last hurrah before students return to school. I realize that some students returned to school several weeks ago, and depending where you are in the world, your "new school year" may begin at another time completely. What I want to focus on in this post is the opportunity that arises with the return to school, whenever that might be for you and yours.
The 'return to school' often brings with it an opportunity to set some goals. Even those who aren't in school tend to see this time of year as a fresh start and a chance to determine what they might focus on between now and the end of the calendar year. Personally, I love that "goal-setting" can happen at any time of year, and welcome the opportunity to do so. Goal-setting can be fun, creative and inspiring!
But here's the thing: when it comes to goals, setting them isn't enough. In fact, setting them is literally just the start. In order to achieve goals -- especially those of a long-term nature -- you need to move beyond just setting them, and learn to check in on them. Without checking in, it's easy to lose sight of goals and allow them to slip away.
Checking in on goals -- like the setting of goals -- can happen at any time. Establishing set "check in dates" can be helpful. Generally, I make it a point to mark such dates in my calendar, so I don't forget. If regular check-ins aren't your thing, having seasonal check-ins can also be helpful. Having check-ins that are linked to other significant events -- like the return to school -- is also a way to keep goals in check.
Whether you use a regular check-in that follows a particular cadence (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly) or a system that links check-in to seasons or times of year, the point is to have a way of evaluating whether or not your goals are being achieved. Some questions to ask when you do check in include these:
Is this goal still important to me?
Am I making progress?
What do I need to do (if anything) to reconnect to this goal?
What's left for me to accomplish?
What do I need to tweak with this goal?
What support do I need to enlist?
Essentially, it is important to ask whatever questions you need in order to achieve the goal you've set. This sort of evaluation can ensure that you stay connected to what's important, what's changed, and your picture of success.
Bottom-line: most people understand the value of setting goals; but more is needed beyond just setting them. With goals that are long-term, there is value in establishing check-in points to ensure that goal achievement isn't something that happens by luck, but rather by deliberate intent. If you've set some goals that have fallen out of proverbial sight, this might be a moment to check-in. And if you're setting new goals at this time of year, establish some check-in points proactively. Check-ins are a great way to take your goals from ideas to reality.