Whoa! The first half of 2019 just flew by…How are you doing with your GOALS?

6 questions you can ask to stay motivated, in control, and on track to excel We often spend time and energy crafting/aligning on goals and priorities, but then lose track in the intensity of getting things done. Which describes the status of your goals?

1. Don’t have any (yet)  (don’t give up – it’s not too late!)
2. I forgot what my goals are or where to find them…
3. My goals aren’t relevant anymore
4. My goals are top of mind and guide my work

Regardless of where you are with your goals  (I’m hoping for answer D), mid-year is a great time to check in and see how you are tracking. I do it to make sure that I am focused on priorities rather than getting swept up in those urgent unplanned fire-drills and constant allure of in-the-moment problem solving.  If you haven’t created goals, consider your big projects and tasks and make a quick list of the biggest priorities on your plate for 2019. I use these 6 questions to stay motivated, in control, and on track to excel:

1. 1. PRIORITIZE:  Are my goals ranked so that I’m working on the most important thing first?  (Consider re-ranking and/or renegotiating as things change)
2. 2. PROGRESS: What progress have I made so far? I set up meetings with myself across the year to review goals status. I love jotting down a few accomplishments no matter how small they may be.
3. 3. PLAN: What upcoming milestones or deadlines should I set for myself to stay on track?  What has changed, and do I need to adapt my goals?
4. 4. PITFALLS:  I note any obstacles I foresee with my goals (e.g. resources, timing, budgets) and solicit input to take ownership of issues before they happen. This has helped me re-negotiate deliverables OR find the help and resources needed in advance.
5. 5. PRODUCE: Are there any goals/deliverables I have already achieved?  Congrats to me!  I jot down some notes about how I was able to complete these goals and let my team know.  (Sometimes this achievement creates space and energy for a stretch assignment…yay!)
6. 6. (Out) PERFORM: With a few months left until the end of the year, I ask myself: what new actions/steps could take my performance from MEETS to EXCEEDS?  Then I take ownership for driving that.

I used to treat goal-setting as just a pro-forma exercise to get through…but now I know it can be an essential mechanism for personal drive, engagement and plenty of high-fives! Tres Jiménez Fontaine