I know you’re reading this because you want to make big, positive changes in your life. And you’re probably thinking let’s get going, the sooner the better! Good for you for being ready to transform yourself! But, before we get started, take a moment to identify your biggest dreams. After all, transformation takes a LOT of energy and commitment. So, let’s make sure that the road you are taking leads you to the place you want to be before we release the power of this transforming process in your life.
Don’t just pick a goal because it seems like the logical next step to take. Think about what really gets you excited. What do you love to do? What do you want to be remembered for? How do you want to spend your time? What contributions do you want to make and who do you want your contributions to benefit? Get your ideas on paper. Imagine a future that is not constrained by your past, but only by the effort and ingenuity that you are willing to put forth to achieve it.
Wasn’t that fun? Are you feeling energized? Good! Because now it’s time to put the magic of Soar’s 4-step program to work for you! What are the four steps? See the big picture, set objectives, act to reach your goals, and take some time to renew before you start again.
See the big picture using SWOT analysis
This is a technique used by Fortune 500 Companies to maximize their results through effective strategic planning. Now it’s available to you as a personal development tool using Soar’s coaching model. A SWOT is an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses (things within you) and the opportunities and threats (things in the environment) that you face.
Strengths: To identify your strengths, ask yourself questions like these:
What have my biggest successes in life been?
What special traits allowed me to succeed?
What do my friends compliment me about?
Weaknesses: Here’s a tip, many times a weakness is the flip side of a strength. Do you have a real bias for action? That’s a great asset, but be sure your impatience doesn’t alienate supporters or cause you to sabotage your progress with inadequate preparation. You must be aware of your limitations in order to turn them to your advantage or work around them.
Opportunities: Here’s where knowing your vision pays off. Once you have a clear sense of where you are going and why, you will find opportunities all around you. Be on the lookout for these opportunities and be ready to use them to their fullest.
Threats: It’s important to identify the things that might stand in your way and have a contingency plan in place. What might happen to take the time, energy or money that you plan to put towards achieving your goals into some other effort? What will you do when you meet an obstacle? You MUST have a plan that will get you back on track when challenges come, because they always come.
Now it’s time to set some objectives
Objectives are the smaller goals you set along the way to move you towards that energizing vision. Your objectives should be:
Specific- Specify the 5 Ws and how: Who will accomplish what? Where and when will it be done? How will it be done? And why is it important?
Measurable: In order to track your progress, you need to be able to measure your results.
Attainable: Set a goal that you can reasonably expect to achieve. It’s hard to stay motivated when you have set a goal that is impossible to reach or requires you to achieve perfection to reach it.
Reach: While the goal should be attainable, it should cause you to stretch and grow as you strive to achieve it.
Timebound: Remember, a goal without a deadline is just a dream. Having a dream is wonderful, realizing it is even better!
To achieve your dreams, you must act!
If you act on your plan by putting it into play one step at a time and commit to achieving your vision, no matter what. You will triumph over the challenges you face!
Doesn’t that feel good! Are you tempted to start all over again with another great vision? I have a natural tendency to do that myself. I get so excited chasing my dreams I just don’t want to stop. But, I’ve found that it’s important to take the time to enjoy my victory and renew my spirit. If I never take the time for rest, I just get sick and discouraged, and that’s not productive at all.
Take time for rest and renewal
If you’re like I used to be, you might be asking what renewal looks like. If you’ve always gone through life like a race car on the last lap, it can be hard to rest. But try. Start by rewarding yourself and your team. Acknowledge what you have achieved and enjoy it. Review your goals and values. Remember, you are more than your achievements. You have value simply because of who you are. When you’ve had time to rejuvenate, decide what you want to achieve next and go for it!
A coach can often be helpful in this journey. If you’re looking for a partner to help you through this process, call us at 641-236-1974. We offer free introductory sessions, so you can find out without any cost or obligation if we can help you achieve your dreams. We’re also available to lead workshops for your employees or volunteers to increase the profitability and effectiveness of your organization. Visit us on the web at http://www.soarcoachingandconsulting.com for Christian leaders in outreach missions or https://swiftlysoar.com for job seekers interested in the insurance industry.
Cynthia J Hanevy, Soar Coaching and Consulting LLC
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