Most of the people I know set goals. And everyone’s heard of the typical steps to effective goal setting: Is it measurable? Is it realistic? Does it have a time line? And so forth. And sadly, most goals are never met. Do you know why?

One thing not talked about very often is taking personal responsibility and owning up to your commitment for achieving those goals. If you add one more question to your list of testable questions, you might see a different outcome. Ask yourself this: Is this a goal I’m truly committed to for this next (month, year)?

So often, we end up setting goals that were important to someone else – but weren’t necessarily all that exciting to us. Maybe what you want most is not necessarily in alignment with what your boss wants. Or perhaps your desire to lose weight was motivated by something other than personal desire (The doc said I have to do it, my kids are on my case, and so on).

Whatever your goals are, be certain they are truly meaningful to you, or you will surely stumble along the way. Until you’re really committed, you will find numerous distractions to keep you from reaching the finish line. Why identify those goals at all, if you know in your heart you’re not ready to fully commit to them?

After all, who else but you can achieve your goals?

Did you set goals earlier this year that are now languishing? Pull out your list of annual commitments – you do have a list, right?  Ask yourself these questions:

• Are there any to which I am not truly committed?
• What do I want to do about these? Am I ready to let them go?
• Which ones are still important to me? 
• Which one am I most committed to right now? How would everyone around me know? 
• What actions am I taking that demonstrate my commitment?

Achieving (and exceeding) your goals is a fun, energizing process when you are on a journey that is meaningful to you. Once you’ve decided which goals are absolutely important to you – then renew your commitment to “get ‘er done.”  Share your action plan with a friend or co-worker and ask them to check on your progress between now and the end of the year. Do these things, and you’ll be amazed at the result.

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene