goal setting

Erik Tyler | October 1, 2015 | 4 Comments

Communication Style: A Feedback Experiment

Today’s COMMUNICATION post – by Erik Tyler

I’d like to start with a question. But before I pose that question, I want to encourage you to actually answer it. From the very beginning here on asmithblog.com, I’ve been championing the importance of experimentation in the learning process. In short, those who are willing to engage and take risks will remember and grow. Those who feel that experimental learning is beneath them, or that it is a waste of time – well, they won’t remember or grow, at least not nearly to the degree as those who are willing to be participants in the process.

And now for that question:

How would you describe
your communication style
in three words or less?

How would you describe your communication style in three words or less? Click To Tweet

Grab a piece of paper, a sticky note or your Notes app right now and jot down 1 – 3 separate words that you feel best describe your own communication style. As you assess yourself, determine to be neither unduly flattering nor modest. Being honest about both your strengths and weaknesses is essential to maximizing your potential.

Kirby Ingles | October 18, 2014 | 5 Comments

How to Create Goals That Get Results – Kirby Ingles

A person without a plan drifts aimlessly like a chunk of driftwood. Without a target you just become an extra in the film. The only purpose you serve is someone else’s toe-hold.

Understanding how to set detailed goals will help you find clarity and stay on course. You may be aimlessly drifting, hunting for your way, your passion, your purpose. Maybe a significant life event has put you in unchartered waters without a paddle, map or compass. Working on the goal setting process will produce a measured, directional focus towards the things you seek in life.

Why you must set goals that get results.

The reason behind goal setting is to develop directional focus and measure progress towards your desires. Goals help reduce drifting, which brings more productivity and greater focus. Having goals can motivate you into action. Goals also increase efficiency and effectiveness by you being intentional about what you want, and they assist you in becoming successful in your ambitions. Goals also develop habits, which result in increased productivity.

What to do next

In goal setting you can discuss several different approaches. I take a hybrid approach, borrowing from several ideas.

Wheel of Life or Whole Life Concept includes setting goals in 7 areas of your life; Financial, Spiritual, Intellectual, Family, Physical, Career and Social. Set a goal in each one of these areas to have a rounded life. I recommend these goals become your Big Hairy Audacious Goals. These are the goals that you wish to accomplish over your lifetime.

Use SMART to formulate each one of your goals and write them down on paper. Keep your goals visible or revisit them regularly.

Specific – This is what you want.

Measured – Put a number on it.

Attainable – Do you have the time and resources? Is this realistic?

Relevant – Does this breach my values? Does it have a bearing on me?

Time – How long will this take? What is my deadline?

Time is an important consideration when goal setting. I suggest starting with the end in mind and establishing lifelong goals. Then you can build your plan of action with short and mid-range goals that pave the way for the accomplishment of lifelong goals.

The keys to awesome goal setting

When planning your goals, you should develop the plan of action. Not doing so will affect your routine and your other goals.
When conflicts arise, recommit yourself to the goals and compromise.
Split the difference, stay balanced, be willing to adjust your plan of action or the goals, so you can fulfill both.
It is going to require time for change to become a habit. Repetition is important in building habits.
Goal setting to please others will end in failure. You will lose interest because it is not about or for you.
Stumbles and falls do not mean you are a failure. Just make some changes and press forward.
Reward yourself for progress, so you develop a craving for accomplishment. Small victories get the fly wheel spinning. Once you get cranking, you are just giving it a nudge occasionally.

The takeaway

Having a specific, directional plan with the ability to measure progress will help you in achieving your desires in life. You don’t have to be a ship dead in the water drifting, waiting to be rescued. Cast your eyes upon the horizon, chart your course and take over the helm.

What area would you like to see an improvement on this year?

Adam Smith | December 15, 2011 | 4 Comments

Giving Up On Goals

You have probably heard a lot about goal setting along the way. Most of it is positive, “dreamer stuff” and maybe it all has started sounding the same.

But, here are 3 points that I believe are important for you to understand through your goal setting journey:

People want to read about achievers, not dreamers.

This is why people sometimes don’t stop when they should. They are willing to do absolutely anything to be a “success”. I don’t know about you, but most people don’t remember the person that almost made it. And I don’t remember the team that came in second. This point might be harsh to some, but it’s true. The point is, that people follow greatness. And greatness comes with a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication. It starts with a dream, but it is something totally different when you take something to the end and make the thing you started a true success. It takes a doer.

But, what if conquering your biggest goals aren’t in the cards this time around? Then, these next 2 points are for you…