Zig Ziglar Process to Set and Accomplish your Goals:
I can't state the number of approaches I've tried to set goals. Some consist of dozens of steps, others require only a few. Some focus on SMART goals, others on ambitious and almost impossible to attain ones. Some require consistent progress, others the ability to visualize a great future. I've tried all and identified the advantages and disadvantages of each method, or rather, details to be aware of.
The iterative process of experimenting with different goal-setting approaches led to 3 characteristics that I consider to be crucial in any goal-setting method:
Encourages to think about the future — what are the benefits and obstacles of reaching the end goal?
Instils a growth mindset — what skills and knowledge need to be acquired? Develop routines and plans to make sure you are developing the necessary abilities to thrive.
Brings the future closer — what are the next-steps and habits to be developed to reach the destination? What can I do, today, to bring the future closer to reality?
In the book Born to Win, Zig Ziglar describes his 7-step-process for setting goals, which includes all the 3 characteristics mentioned before.
Zig Ziglar Process to Set Goals:
Set the goal - be specific;
Example: Increase income by x by getting a raise.List all the benefits of reaching the goal;
Example: Travel more, buy a car, attend a personal-development seminar every month, etc.List all the obstacles you might face;
Example: Lack of skills to increase company value, lack of time to work more, lack of time to find new opportunities, etc.List all the required skills and knowledge;
Example: Persuasion skills, improve financial skills, team-building skills.Identify people and/or group to work with;
Example: Join a group of like-minded people to inspire and be inspired by.Develop a plan of action (be specific);
Example: Increase quarter results by x%; increase the contribution of each team-member by y%, etc.Set a deadline for the achievement.
In the end, it does not matter which or whose approach you end up following, as long as it's challenging your ability to reach higher standards.
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”