I can’t stand realistic goals.
I can’t stand them because who decides what “realistic” actually is? Who is the person who comes down and tells you, “You know what’s realistic for you?” Who gets to make that decision?
Most of us set “realistic” goals based on things we’ve heard from other people or what we’ve seen actually happen in the world, but that’s limiting. Nobody actually knows what you are truly capable of—not even you and not me.
I consider myself a big thinker, and I am probably not even thinking big enough about what’s possible for you.
In this blog post, I’ll offer some tips on setting big goals and how to reach them, but I always recommend that you start off the goal-setting process by establishing your big vision for your life and your business. From there, you can set goals—which I like to think of as mile markers on your journey to your vision—to track your progress toward those goals.
We all do better when we have a framework for doing something. So I offer you this six-step framework to help you set (and reach) your goals.
- Start with your vision in mind. What is the big vision for your life and your firm?
- Define your big goals for the next 12 months and challenge yourself to consider the impact of doubling these goals.
- Commit fully to your chosen objectives, ensuring your determination aligns with the size of your aspirations.
- Align your goals with your long-term vision, thereby deepening your motivation.
- Share your objectives with those who support your success; accountability partners foster encouragement.
- Have a positive attitude and mindset along the way.
By implementing this framework, you’ll be able to set and reach your goals toward your ultimate vision.
Step 1: Establish Your Vision
Have you heard that saying, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there?” The truth is, people who achieve great things know exactly where they’re headed. They don’t leave it to chance—they map it out and take the steps to make it happen.
That’s what your vision does—it provides a clear destination. And the goals you set along the way can help you mark your progress toward your vision.
So, ask yourself, what is my vision? What would your dream life or career look like if there were no limits? Whether it’s being your own boss, working in a space that inspires you or making a meaningful impact through your work, your vision should be clear.
A compelling vision becomes your motivation to act, your reason to jump out of bed and your anchor when challenges arise. It’s what keeps you focused and inspired to reach your goals along the way.
Step 2: Define Your Big Goals and Challenge Yourself to Reach Them
Michelangelo, the renowned Italian artist, once remarked that the real danger is not in setting our goals too high and missing them, but in setting them too low and achieving them. This insight speaks directly to the heart of goal setting, especially as we stand on the edge of this new year.
I once coached an advisor who initially set a goal of attracting $10 million in new assets for the year ahead. Although this was a solid target for him, I prompted him to consider what his energy levels might be if he doubled this goal. The idea sparked a visible surge of excitement. By our next meeting, his enthusiasm was undeniable as he decided his new goal would be $20 million in new assets for the year.
This might seem like a typical motivational example. What makes it special is the fact that he approached this goal with genuine determination and confidence. By the end of the year, not only did he surpass his goal, attracting over $26 million i n new assets, he also completely shifted his beliefs regarding his capability. You can do this, too! So define your annual goals and consider doubling them.
Step 3: Commit Fully to Your Goals
Committing fully to your goals is about more than just deciding what you want—it’s about dedicating your energy, time and focus to maximizing your greatness and holding yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Half-hearted efforts lead to half-baked results. If you have big, transformative goals, you must commit the effort to match the size of your ambition.
Ask yourself this critical question: Are you showing up every day with the level of urgency and commitment that your goals demand? When you fully commit, there’s no such thing as “playing it safe” or “testing the waters.” You’re in it 100%.
Refuse to settle for comfort and commit fully to go after your goals!
Step 4: Align Your Goals with Your Vision
In Step No. 1, you established your vision, and in Step No. 2, you identified some big goals. Now you want to match those goals to your vision. If those goals don’t advance you on your way to your ultimate goal, you should revisit them.
Step 5: Share You Goals
When you share your goals with people, they can hold you accountable to reaching them and support your success. The AFCPE reports that having somebody hold you accountable dramatically increases the probability that you will reach them. The probability of reaching a goal with accountability is 95%, according to AFCPE.
When I wrote earlier about my member who reached his doubled goal of $10 million in new assets—and then surpassed the doubled goal by reaching $26 million in new asset s—one of the reasons he was able to do it is because he not only recognized his capacity to do so, but because he had the accountability from working with a coach.
Step 6: Have a Positive Attitude and Mindset
An excellent attitude and mindset will absolutely be the difference maker in your life—personally and in your business. The best way to cultivate a great mindset is to get very intentional and clear with the words that you use with yourself. Positive words will give you the power and strength to cultivate a positive mindset.
They say that success in sports is only 20% physical and 80% mental. Life and business function by the same measure: Success in life and business is 20% mechanical skills of the job and 80% mental or psychological skills.
You must train yourself to think that you can achieve something if you’re willing to believe. It’s so cliche because it’s so true.
In chapter 3, page 40 of The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, he writes, “How we think we feel has a definite effect on how we actually physically feel. If your mind tells you that you are tired, the body mechanism, the nerves and the muscles accept the fact.”
You listen to what your mind tells you, so feed it positivity.
The Journey Makes You Stronger
Picture it: rocky terrain with peaks and valleys on the way to the summit of a mountain. On that summit is your big vision, and you’re standing at the bottom of the mountain looking up.
You might think to yourself, “All these crevices and challenges along the way to get to the top of the mountain are here to hold me back and prevent me from getting there.”
Reaching your goals on your way to your vision will come with challenges. But the truth is the challenges are meant to strengthen you, because if you can battle through the inevitable difficulties on the journey, then you will be stronger and more prepared for the steep climb of the final ascent to your ultimate vision.
I believe that goals are transformational, not transactional. It’s not about getting to a certain goal and saying, “Well, I made it!” It’s about getting to a certain mile marker and saying, “This is how far I’ve come to this point. How much more have I developed? How much have I contributed? How much more can I create in this world? And how much closer am I to my big vision?”
Enjoy the transformational journey of goal setting. If you need help, let me know!
