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The Four M's of Goal Setting
I have found that the difference between seeing something as a challenge or a threat is very simple --- it is planning. You know that I have always stressed the importance of direction over emphasizing goals, but setting targets is very important. At the beginning of every year I sit down and carefully look at certain areas of my life and set marks for the next 12 months. My friend Bob Schuller talked on goals and used these four “M” words…. They triggered my thinking. So, I want to share four qualities of worthy goals using Bob’s M’s and my comments.
1. Meaningful - how much of my life am I willing to swap for this goal?
2. Marvelous - exciting/energizing. Getting started is always my problem. I fight procrastination. In fact, I have long thought it would be a great idea to start a national association for procrastinators. I would start it but I just haven't gotten around to it. On my desk I have kept one word: START. For I find if I start I will finish, but the starting is difficult. As a philosopher said, "start, and your brain will warm up."
3. Measurable - specific. We had a sales manager who used to ask the salesmen at the beginning of the year how much they wanted to make that year and if one of them said, "more," he would say, "that's not a goal, that's a wish." Whenever someone makes the comment in Peter Drucker’s hearing “that is a good man” he always responds, "good for what?"
4. Manageable - Can be controlled as life unfolds and flexible enough to fit the circumstances. Effective goals are realistic and fit within my talents and opportunities.
I hope that you find these thoughts helpful as you make the most of your time.
