Roadmap to Discovering and Reaching Your Biggest Goals

In yesterday's blog post I wrote about having the courage to set Big Hairy Audacious Goals. This form is a tool you can use to start setting those goals and creating a plan to reach them. Feel free to use this post as a jumping off point for your brainstorming, or if you'd like to fill in this form on Google Docs and share your plans you can get to the form here.

Use this form to create a roadmap that will direct you to your goals. Most people can't just go out and run a marathon. They have to follow a plan and spend many weeks training so they can cross that finish line. You need a plan. Create it here.

If you didn't have to worry about time, money, ability or any other inhibitors, what would you like to accomplish? *Make your goal specific. Saying that you want to be a runner isn't specific enough. Choose a race and make that race your goal. If you're having trouble choosing something, think about the last time you admired or envied something somebody else accomplished. Say you met a guy at a party that is a chef and personal trainer and you really thought it would be neat to have that combination of skills. Maybe your goal is in that direction.

What fears do you need to conquer before you can reach your goal? Write down at least three. *Let's look back at the marathon example. Maybe you're afraid that your body just isn't capable of taking that kind of beating. Maybe you don't know how you'll find time to train. Maybe you're afraid of being embarrassed if you don't run the race after all. Fear often presents itself as excuses. What excuses are you making to yourself and others regarding your goal?

Fear #1 - What information is there available that you can use to address your fear? *We can help our fear go away if we face it straight on and attack it with information. If you are afraid you can't run a marathon because you have bad knees you could make an appointment with your doctor to talk about whether running a marathon is right for you. Problems like runner's knee can be managed with proper rest, appropriate mileage buildup, and exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. Is there a book, a friend, or a professional you could talk to to gather information about reaching your goal?

Fear #2 - What information is there available that you can use to address your fear? *Are you afraid you don't have time to reach your goal? You would be surprised about how things work out when you make your steps to reaching your goal a mandatory part of your day. Once people realize that you're serious about doing what it takes to reach your goal then they will support you. Talk to your support system to find out how you can carve out time to work toward your goal.

Fear #3 - What information is there available that you can use to address your fear? *Are you afraid of losing face if you quit? If you have chosen your goals carefully you will want to do everything you can to reach them. You are more likely to reach them if you've told somebody else about them. That way they can help motivate you and you have somebody to be accountable in those tough times when you feel like quitting. Talking to someone who has already accomplished your goal could help you determine whether your goal is realistic. Talk to another runner who made it through the marathon in spite of bad knees and a busy schedule. Other people are often pleased to share their successes and their mistakes.

What can you do this week to start working toward your goal? *You've done your research and you've started to believe that you can indeed accomplish your goal. Now that you believe that it's a possibility you can take steps to get it done. Start working on it right away while you're excited.

What can you in the next three months to work towards your goal? *Having a plan can keep you motivated.

What can you in the longer term to work towards your goal? *Some goals take longer to accomplish than others. Estimate the time it will take to accomplish your goal and come up with steps that you want to accomplish along the way.

What is the name of your biggest cheerleader? *Decide on a mentor or a positive friend that you can confide in along the journey to reaching your goal.

What is your next goal? *Accomplishing a big goal can leave us feeling exhilarated but it also leaves us wondering what's next. Plan your next success now.

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