G.O.A.L.S – A Coaching Approach for Lasting Solutions
Change requires action!
What stops us from taking the first step toward a lasting solution that may have a positive effect on our lives?
This question prompted me to think about how a person could make a lasting change in their life through the goals they set for themselves. The idea of using the word GOALS as an acronym came about as I thought about growth, opportunity, ability, learning, and sustainability.
How the Framework came about
The concept of a growth goal stems from the Growth Mindset, a term coined and studied by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, Ph.D. Growth mindset “refers to a person’s belief in their ability to learn and develop skills, regardless of natural ability, through determination and hard work. It is the belief that a person’s capacities and talents can be improved over time.”
Many of us miss opportunities that could open doors and help us achieve our goals because we don’t know how to recognise them. By having a clear picture of the goal and its objectives, we may be able to recognise these opportunities when they arise.
Procrastination or avoidance often stems from a lack of confidence in our ability and fear of failure. If we realised that we already have the ability and resources to get started, we might be more inclined to take the first step.
Becoming lifelong learners, who understand that even in failure there is learning, can motivate us to try. Reflecting on what we might learn on the journey, regardless of success or failure, helps us develop and share our learning with others. Understanding and applying knowledge builds wisdom.
Lasting solutions are achieved through small, manageable steps. Celebrating these small wins helps maintain motivation and perseverance until the goal is accomplished. These moments also provide opportunities to adjust our plans if something isn’t working as expected. Smaller tasks are less overwhelming and help keep us on track.
Thus, the G.O.A.L.S framework was developed as a simple, solution-focused, thought-provoking approach for anyone who may find it useful.
Going beyond the Goal
With a future-focused and growth mindset, consider what you would like to change, do differently, or accomplish in your personal and/or professional life.
- What realistic Goal would you like to achieve in X months that may stretch you a little and possibly take you beyond your comfort zone?
Growth and comfort do not co-exist.
Opportunity that Opens doors
Imagine this future picture goal and objectively explore the milestones to reach it. Then ask yourself what opportunities could help you attain the desired outcome (goal). These milestones may give you an idea of the opportunities to look for or recognise and seize (seek, “see” and seize).
- What possible opportunities could open doors for you?
Ability put into Action
Before designing your first actionable steps, acknowledge the resources you can already start using (talents, education, skills, experience, and funds). Then think about what other resources (new skills, money, people, accountability) you may need to attain this goal. Be open to learning new skills and improving existing ones.
- What skills or capabilities do you have that will help you achieve these milestones?
- What skills or capabilities would you like to develop?
ife-changing Learning
Consider your continuous personal growth and development and think about the benefits of the learning experience. Lasting solutions invite life-changing experiential learning. Curiously reflect on what you have learned about yourself through improving existing skills, acquiring new skills, and gaining fresh perspectives.
- What do you hope to learn that will make a positive difference to you and to those you work with?
Nothing is ever lost in life; so much is gained through the learning.
Scalable small steps toward Sustainable Success
Measures of success transform who you are and how you work. Small, scalable steps lead to big changes and lasting solutions. Design small, attainable steps that will move you toward your desired future. Continuously assess your progress to trigger further action until you reach the success you dreamed of. Celebrate the positive changes achieved at each small step to encourage sustainability.
- What small, measurable steps would help you accomplish your desired goal?
The simplicity of the design allows for lasting outcomes as this framework can be easily adapted and changed to ensure it remains relevant and provides continuous learning for individuals and teams.
3 D’s to success: Dedication. Discipline. Determination.
An original longer version Published in HR Future I have updated and refined the concept since then.
What Next?
Nothing beats walking through this process with a coach. I have adapted the approach to develop bespoke tools for clients in the corporate world. When coupled with other goal setting methods and used as an evaluation tool this approach adds greater success to the desired results.
However, if this simple process can assist even one person to make a much-needed change in their life towards a better future then it will have achieved my heart’s desire to make a difference, one small step at a time.
If you would like to know more about how I could partner with you to help you design these goals and small steps please feel free to contact me at debra@simplygoingbeyond.co.za
#simplicity #purpose #unity