How do you swallow a deer? It’s a strange question, admittedly, but that’s the reaction I had when I discovered it in the middle of a book. But it’s full of meaning. Have you ever set goals without knowing how to achieve them? There are a number of criteria that sometimes lead us to encounter difficulties in implementing our goals. We’re faced with what seems like a mountain or a stag do to swallow. We’re tempted to give up and watch our dreams blow away like sand in the wind. What a shame! A dream is meant to be fulfilled, and most of the time, an unfulfilled goal is the result of poor preparation or definition. Both are easily overcome, so let’s take a closer look at the objective. An objective is made up of 4 essential criteria, and is always: 1. Personal: You alone are responsible for your decisions, actions and their consequences. You are free to choose to do or not to do. Many people have a tendency to transfer responsibility for their actions to others (victimization) or, on the contrary, to bear the responsibility of others (savior syndrome). You are neither a victim nor a savior! You are a responsible person, a person capable of achieving your goals! When you set your objectives, make sure you don’t include other people (except, of course, for team dynamics, but here too, make sure everyone remains free to commit). 2. Achievable: Be honest with yourself and use common sense. When you set a goal, two mechanisms come into play: the avoidance of obstacles and the pleasure of success. For your goals, be sure to balance these two mechanisms. By setting shorter, smaller goals, you’ll move step by step towards achieving your objective. In this way, you give priority to success, the pleasure mechanism, encouragement and enthusiasm. The goal becomes achievable in a succession of small, predetermined steps. 3. Quantifiable: If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re unlikely to reach your destination. Indeed, different destinations require different levels of preparation. A friend recently wrote in an e-mail: “Your destination determines your preparation. When you go to the beach or the mountains, your luggage won’t be the same”. By setting your destination, you’ll find it easier to work out how to get there and what you need to do to get there. Set your destination! 4. Measurable: Finally, you need to be able to assess whether you’re on the right road. This will enable you to distinguish between real goals and fantasies. We’re all full of desires, full of ideas and projects that we’d like to see realized and fulfilled. But that doesn’t mean they’re right for us. When you set a goal, also set the means to evaluate yourself.
Take the time to take stock of the benefits you’ve gained and/or the real usefulness of these actions for your vision, your ultimate goal. By respecting these 4 criteria, you’ll find it easier to reach your goals, whether you succeed in achieving them or realize that they don’t suit you. Changing goals can feel like failure or a waste of time. If the change is intentional and well-considered, it’s not a failure but a learning experience and an adjustment you can be proud of. It’s one step closer to your final destination! Don’t underestimate yourself, trust yourself, you’re a resourceful person! In the end, there’s only one way to swallow your deer: eat it bite by bite, no matter how long it takes. John C. Maxwell, world expert in Leadership, said “If you intend to seize your dream, you’ll have to put in the time. You can tell your dream in an instant, but you can rarely capture a worthwhile dream in less than a lifetime” Your value does not depend on the time it takes to achieve your goal. In our next Newsletter, we’ll look at how to develop self-confidence and self-belief. To make sure you don’t miss out, be sure to subscribe by clicking on “I subscribe!” at the end of this article. You can also follow us and share this article on social networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and so enjoy our news. See you soon,
You’re wonderful!
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Joachim Fontaine
Coach | Consultant | Trainer
