On Wednesday I encouraged you to take a good look at your business and determine where you are and where you want to go. Today, I'm going to offer you a tool for setting some clear goals and creating a plan for attaining them.

When I started teaching goal setting tools several years ago, I saw a need for a visual way to look at that process. That's where the Anatomy of a Goal model came from. This tool can be used over and over again to set your goal and then create an action plan for making it happen.

Anatomy of a Goal

As you look at the above illustration, notice a few things.

  • First of all, the goal is at the top of the pyramid and is the smallest portion. That's because it's truly the smallest part of the process. You can't control the goal. You can control how passionate you are about it and what you do to make it happen.
     
  • The middle section is your "why" and I'd like to encourage you to come up with at least three compelling reasons "why" that goal is important to you. Remember, if it's important enough to you you'll find a way, if not, you'll find an excuse. Find your passion in this step,
     
  • The bottom section is the largest and the one the other two rest upon. It's the foundation of the whole process. And I'm asking you to come up with nine action steps. That may seem like a lot, but it forces you to get creative. The more actions you can take in service of your goal, the more likely you are to reach it.

 

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Julie Anne Jones is a success language consultant, a direct sales coach and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, visit her at www.julieannejones.com or check out her blog at http://julieannejones.com.