Achievement is the result of a process sometimes referred to as goal setting. In reality achievement requires perseverance and an aligned process. Success is usually 10% vision and 90% execution. That is where the saying that it's 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration came from. Plan purposely, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively and pursue persistently. The only measurement of what you believe is what you do, meaning that actions speak louder than words. In a nutshell, the way you will be in a year or two is determined by what you do during that year or two.The following steps will allow you to determine your destination. Your MISSION defines your reason for existence. It is not a destination, since it is never reached, but it explains your purpose so write it down. Your VISION is a clear mental picture of the desired outcome for your mission. It focuses on what will be in your preferred future so write it down. Your VALUES are a small set of timeless guiding principles that define your beliefs. They don't require any justification, but help define the vision and drive the daily decisions. Write down 5 or less as this feeds the next step in the process. Your STRATEGIES explain how the vision will be fulfilled. They are powered by your values and fulfilled through goals and actions. Write them out so your activities will have focus and stimulate the changes needed for achievement. Your GOALS are the specific measurable achievable actions that are congruent with your strategies. They must be time activated in that the execution is needed by a deadline. Write them out and then break them down into smaller activities if needed so that the benefits and obstacles are clear. The last step in the on-going process is ACTION. Capitalize on your strengths and don't allow circumstances to redirect your efforts. The execution of the plan is the 90% part.
Failure to hit the bulls eye is never the fault of the target. In personal life, family life, organizational life, or spiritual life the process is the same. Failure teaches us lessons we need to succeed but it's never final. Activities bring learning and growth and turns intentions into actions. When the individual process is aligned with a team process involving others the results become exponential, so try this with a group, as well. Constantly evaluate progress so adjustments can be made but the KEY is to execute your plan. Overcome any fear of failure by developing a plan to succeed. Develop the habit of confronting fears over and over. You will create a culture of excellence and achievement. Please take the time to write down your goals, then review them regularly.
I followed this process when I learned about it nearly 20 years ago. The goals I set seemed massive and perhaps unreachable at the time since I grew up at a low economic level. I didn't have confidence, couldn't speak in front of more than three people, and even dropped out of high school at one time. Here are a few of the numerous goals I set at the ripe old age of 40 and accomplished by age 45: 1) Bachelors degree in business 2) DTM (highest honor) in Toastmasters 3) Teach Sunday School 4) Go to the Super Bowl 5) Ride in a hot air balloon. At 45 I decided by age 50 on the following completed goals: 1) Get an MBA in Management 2) Visit Washington DC 3) Get Angela a 25th year large diamond ring 4) Become a Deacon 5) Attend the World Series (ended up being game 7). My goals for age 55 include some I've completed like visiting all 50 states and some I have not done like learning to speak Spanish. I have some audacious ones like possibly running for elected office and becoming totally debt free that I have not yet time activated but if I'd known about this process earlier in life perhaps I wouldn't consider them audacious. My present thoughts and perspective will determine my future (the same is true for you). The God that created the universe has a plan for my life. I am not to affirm the sin nature but the achievements worthy of a child of God (yes he does allow those sports goals). My mission, vision, and values are submitted to him. My strategies, goals and actions are controlled by his Word. By the way, it's his process.
Imagine a mission statement bigger than Matthew 28: 19-20, or a vision more important than John 3: 16-17. Proverbs says that without a vision, people perish. Values are laid out pretty well in the 10 commandments, and Philippians 4: 8 shows how we should focus on the goals. James 1: 22-25 explains why execution of the plan is important. There are many other biblical examples, I just wanted you to know the source of the process. Writing this blog has motivated me to write down all these things again myself for 2006 and beyond. I hope it does the same for you.
