As we reach the end of January, chances are the goals we set for ourselves at the start of year feel like a distant memory. If that sounds like you, read on for a technique that can help make sticking to your goals a bit easier.
Often times when we set ourselves goals, they focus just on the end result that we want. For example a goal might be, “by the end of this year, I want to have 150 new connections on LinkedIn.”
In the first example, the goal is simple – 150 new connections on LinkedIn by 31 December – perfectly reasonable and measurable. Because it is numbers based, you could even give yourself a percentage grade at the end if you really wanted.
While that goal makes perfect sense and there’s nothing wrong with it, there’s another layer you can add to help make it that little bit more actionable. For example: “by the end of this year, I want to have made a genuine effort to build my professional network, which results in 150 new LinkedIn connections.”
What’s the difference between those two goals?
The second example uses an added layer, specifically including having “…made a genuine effort to build my professional network…”. Because of this, it links the desired outcome to a behaviour that will help you make it a reality.
Is linking a behaviour to the goal really that important?
In a number of cases, yes. Think about it like this – if your goals are written down and you refer back to them throughout the year, having a guiding behaviour to reference can help shape your thinking and actions.
Using our earlier example, someone whose only goal is to 150 new LinkedIn connections might subconsciously focus solely on the number. This in turn could mean they do not consider opportunities to build their professional network when there is not an immediate focus on connection requests.
However, someone who has resolved to make a genuine effort to build their professional network might take a broader approach, and can use this as their guiding principle. When presented with an opportunity, instead of asking “will this grow my LinkedIn connection count?” they might ask “is this a chance to build my network?” – and those answers might not always be the same.
Essentially, the second approach could result in someone taking steps to meet peers that do not typically result in LinkedIn connection requests, but paves the way for stronger connections in future.
All of that said, if you think layered goal setting is something you might like – give it a try!
Until next time,
Louis
Louis Fameli 