“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere else” Laurence J. Peter
So where are YOU going?
An Interesting Fact! The Holy Grail (source COD) is the cup or platter used by Christ at the Last Supper, and in which St Joseph of Arimathea received Christ’s blood. As such, it is a metaphor for anything that is eagerly sought after. Also known as a ‘goal’.
The Definition of a Goal (noun) The object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result (source: Oxford Languages)
Similar words include: aim, objective, holy grail, target, dream, hope, end, desire, intention, plan, purpose, ambition, aspiration, wish, raison d’être…..
Many of these words pop into everyday conversation and most of us can figure things out on our own, eventually, but sometimes we need someone to ask the right questions (or know what questions to ask ourselves) to guide us along the path so as to get there quicker.
I love the quote above, by Laurence J. Peter ‘If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere else.’ Can you think of an experience where this resonates? Try the 2 steps below to get you started.
Step 1. You have your ‘holy grail’ in mind. Now ask yourself these questions:
How will you ensure that you have a goal that is focused, has a clear achievement point, can be measured, is realistic and that you know when you need to achieve this by?
Many of us are familiar with the acronym ‘SMART’ (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time specific) when setting goals. This is a popular approach that provides a ‘qualities’ framework when setting goals
How will you know where to start and what to do to get the ball rolling?
How will you reflect and evaluate to ensure that it is, firstly, the right goal for you and, secondly, that you achieve it?
Step 2. This is great! You’ve set your goal and you know what you want to achieve. Now ask yourself these questions:
What happens next? What are the options?
Are you confident in your ability to break the end goal down into manageable steps and to evaluate/re-evaluate your progress against it?
Do you have the resources available to support you? Do you know what resources you need?
Do you truly believe that you can achieve this? Do you really want this?
Are you in the driving seat, or heading towards it?
Are your values being met?
Is this goal ‘fit for the purpose’?
Do you have the confidence to amend the end goal if your evaluation indicates that it isn’t quite right?
Sometimes, having the right guidance or support can be a factor in, not only setting the right goal but, in the ultimate achievement of it. Let’s be honest, most of us need some form of support at some point.
In a nutshell, ‘goal’ is a word. It’s the end point or the focal point that is moving you in the right direction that matters. There might be obstacles and route changes along the way and that is OK, as long as you still know where you’re going!
Part of my role as a coach and trainer at Athena Evolve is to support my clients to set, review, refine, feedback and coach, utilising different strategies to support them in the ultimate achievement of their goals.
In summary, your goal/holy grail/desire/aim/want/outcome (whatever you choose to call it) can be personal, professional, enormous, tiny, short term, long term, etc, etc. What is important is that your goal is broken down, that you have accountability, ownership and take responsibility for your outcomes, and that you keep evaluating/re-evaluating where you are against it. You can absolutely do this if you know where you’re going.