Step 3: OK, Let's Get Some Traction!
Let's review our journey on the Bridges Coaching ROAD so far.
R - take some time to RECOGNIZE where you want to go. Where are you building a bridge to? Please don't just pick something that bugs you, or even what jazzes you. Take time to discern where God is leading you to next! More on that here.
O - consider your personality and your track record. If what you were shooting for was easy, you would probably already be there or at least on your way. A new goal, a new journey, is going to take some OWNERSHIP on your part. Ask yourself what obstacles need to be addressed for you to move forward.
This brings us to our next letter in the Coaching ROAD.
A - is for ACTION STEPS.
Most people probably find the most traction here. This answers the "Now what?" question. Learning to make SMART goals is something our coach trainees say is a highlight of their studies. Defining where you want to build toward and what has held you back are important first steps, but we still haven't actually started on our journey.
Making first steps usually goes one of two ways.
People tend to be so excited to finally get moving toward their goal that they commit to way more than is possible in the time frame they are considering.
OR they are afraid to challenge themselves to actually do something and make too simple of goals like "Research more options" or "Talk to someone else who has been through this". While these are not necessarily bad action steps, if they are avoiding actual movement forward due to risk aversion, they probably need to be challenged.
Identifying a dream doesn't mean it is going to happen. You are going to HAVE TO HAVE Action Steps that will likely be costly in time, or money or effort or all three.
And you may have to keep trying things to find out what works.
Here are some actual SMART goals I worked on that took some time but are now a part of my normal:
- I now drink 24 ounces of water before coffee every morning.
- I write my blogs on Fridays and work ahead when I know I am going to be away on a certain week.
- I work out at least 4 times a week. (I still don't like it at least 3 times a week, but often actually work out 6 times a week.)
- I have completed and published two books.
None of these came easy.
None of them worked on the first try.
Most took much longer than I expected, but they would never have happened at all without diligence and SMART goal action steps.
The lazy will not get what they want, but those who work hard will. Proverbs 13:4
It's going to take some effort but ask yourself why you thought this goal was important, what completing it will give you, and what it will cost you if you just stay stuck.
Happy Planning!
Remember, we can help! Our Associate Coaches work with people all the time helping them set and move toward the goals they discern. AND our Coach Training helps you do just that while simultaneously learning how to help others as well.
Check out these offers and more at bridgescoaching.net!