Do you find it hard to set goals? Are your goals bringing the joy and happiness you are searching for? I learned to set SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. Goals designed for efficiency and action that will create the results wanted. Personally, I find them lacking the emotional motivation. I see myself “keeping my nose to the grindstone”. You just want to get it done. It is work!
What if there is another way? A way to set goals that will deliver your heart’s desire, help you accomplish great things and create that extraordinary life you dream of.
What would happen if you listened to your heart and focused on what excites and inspires you. Instead of the activity, focus on your ultimate target. Taking an idea from the book “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind” I pulled together questions that will bring out the heart and soul of our work goals.
What experiences do you want to have?
If time and money were no object and you had all the resources you needed, what kinds of experiences would your soul crave?
- What kind of work would make your soul sing? Work that would take advantage of your unique talents?
- What would your ideal work environment look like? Describe the people, the places, the conversation, your environment and the activities.
How do you want to grow?
In order to have the experiences you desire, what sort of person do you need to evolve into?
- How do you want to feel and look every day – today, in 5 years or 20 years?
- What do you need to learn in order to have the experiences you desire?
- What would you love to learn?
- What skills would make your job easier?
How do you want to contribute?
Once you have the experiences you desire and have grown in these remarkable ways, how can you give back?
- How can you help others in your job, career or calling?
- What creative activities do you love to do or learn?
- What can you contribute to your work family that fill you with happiness?
- What mark or legacy do you want to leave on the world that excites and deeply satisfies you?
We use facts to support our decisions. Underneath that layer of information is the emotion that is driving that goal. By starting with the emotional side, we change the perspective and increase the energy – both within and around us. Once we start sharing our goal, luck comes our way and opportunities becomes visible.
Looking at my own situation, my career goal is to build a million dollar accounting practice. By asking what experience I want, how I will grow and what I want to contribute – my goal took a twist. My vision is to improve the lives of small business owners through accounting, tax and financial services and education. I focus on enriching the lives of small business owners. It is much easier to come to work and help others than to just increase our sales.
By Mary Guldan-Lindstrom, CPA
