Goals are an interesting thing.
Some believe in goal setting religiously and others shy away from it. Why? My guess is because they are scared of not accomplishing them.
The truth is that we all need goals. We need something to strive for. It’s what keeps life interesting and fulfilling. Plus, how are we supposed to know what to do next if we do not have a goal we are working towards?
Let’s think about health and fitness. How do you know whether you should lift heavy, run, bike, do crossfit, etc. if we do not know what our fitness goals are?
Goals are the starting point, but they are also the spot so many get lost in. They come up with their goal and they never take it a step further. Then wonder why they did not accomplish said goal.
This is why goal setting is important but not the most valuable part. The most valuable part is coming up with the actions you can best take to accomplish your goals. Focusing on the goal seems daunting. Focusing on the next action seems doable.
Over the past 5 years, I have learned that the main reason people fail on their goals is because they do not have an action plan. This is why we started using elements with your clients and giving everyone a one page plan after every meeting as you can see below.
Why did we start doing this?
Because it helps our clients stop focusing on 5,10, or 20 years down the line. It allows them to have a checklist of what they need to do between this meeting and then next to best set them up to accomplish those goals that are so far away.
I urge you to try this! Set a goal. Really define it. Then think about what steps can you take in the next quarter to best set you up to accomplish them. Then watch yourself start inching closer and closer.
Focus on the actions! And the end result will come.
Financial Advisor