LSW #15 Don't make these mistakes in goals and planning
Three common mistakes
In my work with clients, I have noticed some common mistakes when setting goals and objectives that are not that obvious upon first glance. They sneak up on you and can torpedo projects before they even start.
1. Not examining the assumed timeframe. Often these are hidden. Uncovering them can be powerful. Project looks impossible? What if you had a 1000 years to get it done? Would you do it then?
Of course no one has a 1000 years, but examining our assumptions of time at the extremes can unearth hidden opportunities. Those 1000 years might mean getting outside help for example. What if you had only 1 day? What would you do different?
2. Letting the "how" block the "why" and "what". Too often even when we know our what, we don’t go after it, because we do not know the how. But the “how” is the process part. And process can be figured out over time and some help.
Mixing the what and the how during the planning phases is a mistake. Separate it out.
The how can be figured out. But don’t let it stop you from taking something on. You are getting hung up on the process.
3. Not understanding the difference between risk and uncertainties. Risks can be managed, even eliminated in some cases. But uncertainties cannot be eliminated. It's the nature of the game.
Too often we let uncertainty stop us in our tracks. But uncertainty comes with the territory. So using it's absence as a decision making criteria is not helpful.
What have you found in your own experience? Do these three resonate? I am curious . Hit reply and let me know.
Reflection Questions
What is the assumed timeframe for your project? What if you had a 1000 days? What if you had only 1 day? What would you do different?
Are you getting hung up on the process or the outcome?
Are you trying to eliminate uncertainty or is it risk that you are trying to manage?
Outcome goals vs process goals
How often we look at outcome goals vs process goals can completely change our experience of the "chase".
Outcomes are not directly in our control but inputs in fact are.
The best goals are process goals, which, in layman’s language means “how to get there” goals, and they are important because they are controllable.
Outcome goals are not controllable, and putting too much focus on them can be detrimental to a player’s overall performance because oftentimes outcome goals are not realistically attainable.
– Bob Tewksbury in Ninety Percent Mental
Zooming in and out as needed is a critical planning skill.
The best time to review outcome goals is a 90 day or longer cadence, whereas process goals should be reviewed on a daily/weekly basis.
Effective goals and nuances
We often take goal setting for granted and don't give it enough attention. It also happens to be one of the most researched and proven concepts in the social sciences.
I have captured 14 of the most critical aspects of goal setting in my article Effective Goal Setting using 14 Different Dimensions.
Mid-year is a good time to review annual goals. These 14 dimensions can shed light on some missed opportunities.
That's it for this edition. Have a great week!
– Sheril Mathews