We’ve addressed the need for courageous leadership and having and living your dream. Next we’ll discuss the need for having documented goals and why they help you reach your desired destination.

Here are some interesting statistics about what having goals can do for you…

“A study was made of alumni 10 years out of Harvard to find out how many were achieving their goals. An astounding 83 percent had no goals at all. Fourteen percent had specific goals but they were not written down. Their average earnings were three times what those in the 83 percent group were earning. However, the three percent who had written goals were earning 10 times that of the 83 percent group.”

No one knows why a written goal is more effective than one that’s known and understood but not committed to paper. Some psychologists theorize that writing triggers important processes in the subconscious, which in turn inspires action towards achieving those written goals.

Regardless of the reason, goals keep us moving forward and help us focus and track our progress.

I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
–Jimmy Dean

We’re mid way through the year (hard to believe isn’t it?), so this is a perfect time to review and update your goals.

  • Which have been achieved?
  • Which have been missed or neglected?
  • Which need to be revised or deleted?
  • Do any new goals need to be added?

Think SMART

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable and actionable
  • Realistic
  • Time-bound

Have you documented your year-end destination?

12 Components That Require Courage

  1. Have and live your dream.
  2. Document your goals.
  3. Commit to your goals.
  4. Understand your strengths and the strengths of others.
  5. Communicate.
  6. Address conflict.
  7. Develop others.
  8. Delegate.
  9. Develop a skill.
  10. Remain controlled.
  11. Give rewards.
  12. Succeed and learn from failure.

Read more about 12 Steps For Courageous Leadership.