Over the past few years, I’ve notice the ubiquity of the word ‘GROW’ in marketing, strategy, and even on inspirational signs from your favorite big box store! I always notice it because that word—GROW—is one of our cornerstone goal setting techniques. And of course that word is everywhere…who doesn’t want to GROW!
Let’s talk about this powerful (and useful) acrononym.
Goal setting, by its very nature, is a finish-to-start—or backwards—process. We start by visualizing the end result and time travel our way back to the present. So, I ask you this: what do you want to achieve? What is something specific that you want to accomplish? That’s your goal…your ‘G’ in G.R.O.W. That’s your future. Now, get back in your time machine, and head to the present reality.
Think about that goal. Where are you at now? Before you spiral…remember, it doesn’t matter! Maybe you haven’t even taken the first step. That’s okay! It’s not important how close you are to your goal; it’s important that you recognize where you are at this moment. This isn’t the time for grandstanding or self-delusion. Be honest. Be… realistic. That’s your ‘R’ in G.R.O.W. Reality—the current truth of your situation.
Even the most math-hating goal setters know that the quickest way between two points is a straight line. Your journey from point A (current reality) to point B (future goal) might not be exactly straight. Fear not. With the right strategies, you can walk a much less winding road than I did!
Inevitably, there will be twists and turns as you work towards your goals. In the G.R.O.W. method, we call those obstacles or—for the half-glass-full type—options. I’ll even add another ‘o’ word: opportunities. Any time you’re faced with a hurdle or a complicated decision, you have the opportunity to learn. The more experiences we have, the more data we have to pull from in the future. Even better, maybe someday you’ll have a mentee facing your same obstacle. Imagine how good it will feel to share your story of resilience.
Finally, ask the question: how WILL you find your WAY forward and WRAP up your goal? The answer: an excellent plan, a positive attitude, relentless work ethic, and a little support from your network. Sometimes though, it’s just about taking the next step. It’s about finding the next right thing to do.
Let’s do a super quick exercise to recap the G.R.O.W. goal-setting method.
1. I’d like to paint my bedroom bright green. (That’s the goal.)
2. My bedroom is a yellowed-white. (That’s the reality.)
3. My ceilings are 12 feet high. (That’s an obstacle.)
4. Pick up the brush. (That’s your way forward.) Got it? We talked about support a paragraph ago.
At Kathy Merchant Coaching, we can be just that for you and your goals. We’ll guide you down the right path and get you to that next level!
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