The end of the year approaches. This is a time when many of us take a moment to reflect back on, and “take stock of”, our progress professionally and personally.

Many of us also look forward and set goals regarding where we would like to be next year.

Of course, some of us avoid either activity!

While this practice of reflecting back and looking forward is valuable, sometimes our goals are general, and a little vague, like “I just want to get in shape next year.” Or, our goals might be very specific, “I’d like to lose 20 pounds and run a marathon.”

The truth is: regardless of the method you use to set your goals, you aren’t likely to accomplish them. They’re wishes, not goals. Sorry to be so discouraging.

Why is this? It’s simple. Most of us set goals; however, we never really sit down to think about what needs to happen to accomplish those goals. So, the very act of goal setting provides a false sense of satisfaction. It’s almost as if we believe we’ve accomplished a goal just by identifying it.

This happens all the time within organizations. I’m frequently asked to visit organizations to conduct a short, one-time ‘Strategic Planning Retreat’ for a group. While general goal setting can happen within a short time frame – it’s been my experience that less than 25% of these strategic plans will ever be implemented.

So, What’s Needed?

Actually, several things are needed:

1. A goal (I’m actually a huge fan of goal setting – but identifying the goal is just the beginning)
2. Creating the conditions for success.
3. Creating a plan for accomplishing the goal.
4. Engaging whatever accountability or support we need.

Goal Setting

Every other newsletter you’ve received this month has, likely, talked about how to set goals. I won’t review that here. Let’s, instead, explore the remaining necessary steps.

Creating Conditions for Success

Previous articles have focused on this specific topic: Removing “toxic elements” from our lives. And replacing those elements with “healthy nutrition” that feeds our personal and leadership needs. Review these articles for more on creating conditions for success.

Creating a Plan for Accomplishment

Planning = Intentionality + Commitment. Planning is necessary if you want to set and hit targets. This is true with fitness goals, personal goals, professional goals or organizational goals. When I participated in two challenging endurance events this year (you can read about one event here) I created a 4-month training plan that I followed to prepare for both.

Even though these events are considered to be some of the most difficult and strenuous endurance events in existence – I felt good while participating and recovered quickly afterwards.

This is true for organizations, as well. The organizations that succeed in accomplishing their goals create plans to get there. This is necessary to avoid falling victim to either seemingly urgent tasks, general distractions or a lack of motivation.

Some leaders will insist that planning is not possible for their organization. Nine times out of 10 I can demonstrate, by reviewing their history, they too have a pattern of setting goals, but not achieving them. Don’t fool yourself. Hope, without planning, is a poor strategy.

Engaging Accountability and Support

This last element is very important. Despite the fact that I love athletics and staying fit, I always train harder and more effectively when I’m with others. They motivate me to dig deeper, do more, and be consistent. People who find it difficult to get motivated often find it helpful to join classes or hire a personal trainer. In fact, making those kinds of commitments to accountability and support are often what makes the difference in achieving a goal.

This is as true for organizations as it is for fitness. Healthy, effective organizations engage in regular internal reviews of progress, explorations of hold-ups or obstacles, and adjustments to plans, when necessary. Additionally, some of the most effective, highly motivated leaders I know hire executive coaches and/or join peer-mentoring circles.

Personally, I’ve experienced consistent and dramatic growth since I placed a high priority on hiring coaches. I’ve also joined structured, professional peer-mentoring networks that are focused on helping each other move through the steps described above. It’s the difference that makes the difference.

What do you need to put in place this month to transform simple wishes into goals?

• Do you have a plan? What do you need to help you create a plan that works for you?
• Do you have accountability and support? Have you considered hiring a coach or joining a peer-mentoring network?

What will you have achieved this time next year? Share your commitment in the space below.