One thing that I am passionate about is excellent leadership.  Beyond great strategy, skills and talent, I believe character, integrity and wisdom are the foundation of a solid leader.

Recently, I sat with some great leaders discussing life and we turned to goals   I asked this question.

 “If you were to look at that goal a year from now and you would say that ‘you were hitting  it out of the park and succeeding on all levels.  What would that look like?'”  

Here is the power of this question.  You can apply it to any aspect of your life.  If you want to grow in your relationship with Christ, develop a new skillset, do better financially, improve your golf game (Hello!) and the list is endless.  I use this question all the time.  Sometimes, you realize that it isn’t a high priority goal and you don’t give it much time. Other times, the weight of it will cause you to take these steps.

1.  Identify the goal.  Take some time to really zero in on what you want.  Be specific and clear so you can clearly express it to someone.

2.  Identify milestones.  Its going to be a journey so you are going to need some “mile markers” to know you are on track.  I suggest four – one for every quarter of the year.

3. Tell someone your goal.  You will need the accountability and support from others to keep you  on track and encouraged.

4.  Write it down.  I was told this by one of my mentors and I have to say that it is a great visual to see something in your life that you are working on.  Write it down and put it in a place you will see it every day.

5.  Take action.  Too many goals and great ideas remain in the mind or the board room.  Take the first step today.  It is a journey.  Take one step today, take one step tomorrow, etc.  You are giving yourself 365 steps to attain this goal.

Where do you need to grow?  Pick one thing, follow this process and go for it!