Setting and achieving goals is a lot like playing golf!

The overly-simplified primary goal of golf is to get the ball into the cup in the fewest number of shots as possible. And, then do the same for each cup in the course.

Sounds easy?  It’s not: it requires effort!

Devoted golfers can spend hours practicing and developing the skills and knowledge they need to become a well-functioning successful player.  Just like the die-hard golfer, committed goal-achievers, like you, must take some very specific steps.

In this article, Dr. Davenport outlines seven time-proven steps to setting and achieving your goals. 

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR SPECIFIC GOAL

On the golf course, the goal is to get the ball into the cup in the fewest number of strokes.  An adult’s goals can range from completing his assigned projects under budget to getting a promotion to CEO.  A student’s goals can include making an A on the next Algebra test, completing a report early, or making the honor roll for the first time.  A well-set goal is specific and measurable.  It includes action verbs and states the goal as if it has already been achieved.

If your goal is to improve your time management skills, your goal might be stated:

At least 90 % of the time when I am faced with timelines and deadlines, I will manage my time well: I will easily estimate how much time I have, I will prioritize my tasks, and I will meet deadlines.

STEP 2: IDENTIFY THE BENEFITS OF REACHING YOUR GOAL

The golfer’s benefit of shooting a lower score than his opponent is winning the game. You need to identify the benefits of your goal so that when times get tough and the challenges pile up, you will be motivated to keep moving toward your goal.  I have found that the benefits are often the opposite of the problems that usually result because you are not achieving a specific goal.  For example, not managing your time well ultimately results in missed deadlines, a lot of stress, and others not valuing your efforts.

If you are striving to improve your time management skills, your benefits might include:

• I can meet deadlines for projects.

• I am not stressed-out all the time.

• I feel good about myself.

• Others feel good about my efforts.

STEP 3: IDENTIFY WAYS TO DEAL WITH OBSTACLES TO REACHING YOUR GOAL

Obstacles on the golf course are obvious: water hazards, sand-traps, the rough, and lots of trees.

In his book, Seven Days in Utopia, Sports Psychologist David Cook, Ph.D. suggests that you should see the obstacles on the golf course and in life as just a part of the story, part of the perspective that guides you to your target.

Just as the golfer faces challenges on the course, the goal-achiever will encounter obstacles and setbacks.  These obstacles can easily steal your energy and focus.  But with a properly set goal, a good plan, flexible problem-solving skills, and good support, you will be ready for the challenges when they come.

It is important to identify the major obstacles or distracters that keep you from reaching your goal and make plans to best address these obstacles. 

For example, if texting distracts you from using your time well, you should consider charging your phone during the time you have set aside to complete important tasks.

STEP 4:  IDENTIFY THE STRENGTHS YOU WILL USE TO REACH YOUR GOAL

Each golfer must know and understand his or her strengths (driving, putting, etc.) and use those strengths to win the game. As a goal-achiever, you need to think about the strengths you’ll use to win in the game of life.

What strengths can you use to achieve your goals?

There are many, many other strengths.  Take time to identify how you’ll use your strengths to reach your goals.  

If you want to better identify your strengths, consider using the VIA Character Strengths Survey from the University of Pennsylvania.

STEP 5: IDENTIFY WHO CAN HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOAL

Many golfers work with a coach, golf pro, or even a whole team of people to reach their goal of winning the game.

Each goal-achiever needs a number of teammates and a coach who can help him reach his goals: oftentimes, caring friends, co-workers, and family fill these roles nicely for the goal-achiever.  When considering who you want to be accountable to, you should make sure that person is:

• Someone you trust.

• Someone who won’t tell others all your “dirty laundry.”

• Someone who won’t be sarcastic or critical.

• Someone who can motivate you to change.

Once you identify who will help you, you need to decide what you will give them permission to do to help you.  This is especially true for teens and young adults. 

 STEP 6: DEVELOP A PLAN OF ACTION TO REACH YOUR GOAL

To win the game, a golfer must have a specific plan and tactics in mind before he or she steps onto the course.

A goal-achiever must have a specific step-by-step plan to reach his or her goals. This plan must specifically address how to overcome major obstacles and develop the skills needed to experience success.

Guidelines for developing action steps needed to reach your goal are outlined in Dr. Davenport’s article “Five Action Steps to Planning Projects and Achieving Goals.”

STEP 7: SET A TIME-LINE TO COMPLETE YOUR GOAL

Each round of golf has a beginning time and an approximate ending time. Goal-achievers must set a completion date or a deadline to implement their plan and experience success promptly.  The goal achiever’s completion date should be set in a reasonable time after considering all the steps in the plan of action.

If you are striving to improve your time management skills, this is an ongoing process, but you could set times to complete certain aspects of this journey. You could also set aside time each day to work toward your goal. When doing so, it is important to establish both a beginning and ending time. 

Need help applying these concepts?

Call 817.421.8780 or email us to set up an appointment today.  Dr. Davenport is happy to help you set goals you can achieve.

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(c) 2009-2019, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.

Adapted from LD Kids Can! ©1993, Monte Davenport

Excerpt from the I Can! Achievers Course ©1989 used with the written permission of the author and publisher.