Before we go any further, I have to admit, I’m all for goals - most people who work in adult development and learning are (surprise, surprise). I believe that goals are the inherent drivers of our internal feedback loops and they enable us to experience progress, empower us to act and can clarify decision making. All of which makes the use of goals a healthy part of our development and growth.

The main challenge or issue with goals is that far too often they go unfulfilled, neglected or completely abandoned. With certain goals we may often struggle to stay the course, and this can lead to a sense of disappointment and delusion.

The reasons that goals can fall by the wayside are many and complex – beware prophets who offer singular and simple answers to inherently human challenges.

When it comes to goals our executive function (the part of us that actually defines them) often gets superseded by the powerful impulses that lay deep within us. These forces are often far more interested in comfort, low energy expenditure and anything that tastes sweet (mmm chocolate). This is compounded even more so when we are tired, stressed, unsure, hungry, thirsty or emotional aroused – these are the key moments when many people fall out of alignment with their goals.

So, what can we do if we want to move more clearly in the direction of our desired future state?

Implementation Plans

One of the most practical approaches for developing self-control is to add implementation plans into your operating system. An implementation plan is a simple rule or algorithm that you self-determine (as aligned to your overall goals) in order to effectively support the decisions, choices and actions you make (or don’t make). These are most frequently used for If/When…Then… moments aligned to a goal. For example:    

• If its lunch, then I will have a salad. (Eat healthier)

• When I finish breakfast, then I will go for a walk. (Improve mobility)

• If I brush my teeth, then I will floss after. (Good dental hygiene)

• When it’s Monday, Wednesday and Friday, then I will do some exercise. (Get fit)

When we clearly define meaningful implementation plans, we are in essence creating a cognitive signpost to help influence and nudge our behaviour in the direction of our goal(s). This means that when we are tired, stressed, hungry, thirsty, emotional aroused or unsure we don’t really have to think about what we will do, because we already know the answer – it’s Monday, so I gotta workout.

The great thing about implementation plans is that they can be used across any type of goal or area of our life. Whether it is improving sales, leading (teams and yourself) better, delivering great presentations or thinking more creatively. Implementation plans can be used across all of these areas.

Some additional keys to helping successfully design implementation plans:

1. You have to mean it – be committed to the action or rule you are creating. Don’t go half-baked.

2. It has to be realistic – aim for reality not utopia.

3. You have to lock it in and remember it – keep it front of mind, review them weekly.

4. Share them with others so that they can support you on the habit building journey.

5. Don’t worry if you fall off the horse, use it as motivation to get back and re-establish your rhythm.

Successfully implementing and achieving personal goals can be enhanced if we create the right conditions and structures that help support us. When we develop and strengthen the techniques that build greater self-control, we can make real and meaningful progress in the pursuit of our desired futures state.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

In what ways can you use implementations plans to help you reach your goals and desired future state? Can you create 3 implementation plans today that you can use this week to help you move in the direction of your goals?

For more information on the BESPOKE LEADERSHIP development program or to have an informal discussion regarding your development goals, please contact: philip@bespokeleaders.com