A Simple Path to Goal Achievement: A Step-by-Step Guide

As college coaches, we often envision ambitious goals for our teams and ourselves, but then we get overwhelmed on how to implement and execute.  

Been there done that!  

And too often we make the process of achievement way harder than it needs to be.   

I know it is not just me that does that.  

Often when I'm having big dreams about things I want to go and do, I just kind of write down a bunch of ideas and then I get overwhelmed.   

I have to stop and tell myself that achieving success doesn't have to be complicated. 

I learned this from my mentor Brendon Burchard.   

He taught me a six-step practical guide to simplify goal achievement.  I use these steps on a weekly basis to prevent overwhelm on my path to achieving the goals I have and thought they might help you as well.   

Take out a piece of paper or open a doc on your computer and write these out for yourself as you read though: 

1. Define Clear Goals and Outcomes: What's the thing I'm trying to achieve this week? How will I know when I get it? What will it feel like when I get it?  
2. Develop a Strategic Map: What's the path that your going to follow to actually get there? Write down the steps.  Don't feel pressured to reinvent the wheel because at some point, someone's already figured out the strategies to get where you want to go. You just have to find that map, find those strategies or tactics that they use, and model them.  You might need to find a book, listen to a podcast, attend a conference, seek mentorship, or invest in other resources.  Leverage existing knowledge and expertise to plot your course efficiently. 
3. Identify Accelerators: You've got a goal. You got a map. Now what could you do different that will get you there faster? Consider what strategies, people, resources, or decisions can accelerate your journey towards your goals. These accelerators could range from major strategic shifts to minor adjustments in your daily habits. I think it's important to really sit down and deeply think about what effective levers you can pull that would accelerate your progress towards this goal.  
4. Anticipate and Overcome Obstacles: At this point, you got the goal. You got the map. You know the accelerators.  Now, what are going to be the obstacles? Acknowledge the challenges you may encounter along the way, such as lack of resources, self-doubt, or time constraints. I know a lot of coaches who write down their goals, but they never write down all the obstacles they're going to face.  Once that list is written and you take a look,  you might find that it's not as overwhelming as you tend to think. By confronting these obstacles head-on, you can develop strategies to mitigate them. Remember, most obstacles are surmountable with resourcefulness, persistence, and support.  
5. Cultivate Supportive Alliances: Who could you get in a peer group to help towards this goal you have? It's more fun doing things together. It's more fun growing together. It's more fun learning together with a peer group. Forge connections with individuals who can support you in your journey, who share your vision and can provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement. Together, you can overcome challenges and celebrate victories along the way.  
6. Take Action and Stay Accountable:  With your plan in place, it's time to take decisive action. Commit to showing up each day and giving your best effort towards your goals.  Manage your time and stay in a good attitude to do the work (which is probably the hardest part).

Achieving your goals doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these simple steps—setting clear goals, developing a strategic plan, leveraging accelerators, overcoming obstacles, cultivating alliances, and then taking action—you can streamline your path to success.  

Embrace simplicity, stay focused, and remember that every day presents an opportunity for growth and progress.   

Have a great week coach!  

Mandy Green