All goals are NOT created equal. Actually goals fall into 3 categories: outcome goals, performance goals, and process goals. And each has a place in how to plan our projects and the execution process. When you think of “new year resolution type goals” they are often outcome or performance-based. But rarely do we talk about process goals ad I think they are the most important. For me, process goals are where the magic happens. It actually tells you HOW you will actually accomplish your outcome and performance-based goals.
Setting Process Goals:
- Focus on behavior. You’re probably familiar with outcome goals that describe results, like gain more visibility for my business. However, it can be difficult to make progress unless you also set process goals for the related steps, identifying your avatar and creating your marketing strategy.
- Clarify your expectations. Analyzing your goals gives you an opportunity to consider whether they’ll really provide the benefits you’re hoping for. Make sure your plans and actions actually support your goals.
- Be specific. Precise goals are easier to visualize, giving you more motivation and a clearer sense of direction. Identify your top priorities and express your thoughts in the simplest language possible.
- Be realistic. Ask yourself (and even your team) if you all are capable of achieving this new goal. For example, you may discover that you need additional a new heat press machine to launch your next line of designer tees.
Implementing Process Goals:
- Combine your goals. Process goals supplement your outcome goals rather than replace them. When you put them together, you can see the big picture and pay attention to the details.
- Break things down. If your final goal is a long way off, you may need to create shorter term objectives to strive for.
- Evaluate your progress. Measurable goals enable you to assess how you’re coming along. I recommend that you do this on a formal basis weekly.
- Overcome obstacles. What if you’re falling behind? Planning for contingencies will help you deal with unexpected events that come between you and your goals. In the project management world we call this risk management and building in lag and lead time into your projects.
- Recover from relapses. What if do you do when you realize you’ve gotten off track? Restart, let go of guilt and give yourself credit for making a fresh start.
Process goals help you to focus on the things you can control and give you a concrete plan. Create the business or life you want by setting meaningful goals and taking the necessary actions to reach t
