Blog: Finish It! Achieving Dreams Through Goal Setting with Laura Seybold
In a recent Lunch & Learn Workshop, Laura Seybold, Founder and President of Shine Consulting, shared insights into the art of turning dreams into achievable goals. This blog post will delve through the goal-setting workshop, exploring key concepts and providing valuable tips to help you set and achieve your own goals.
Thank you to our Lunch & Learn series sponsor Ohio Valley Bank!
"If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It"
Laura highlighted a common dilemma many individuals face – the challenge of being great at dreaming but struggling to finish what they start. The distinction between dreams and goals was emphasized, with dreams being the inspiration and goals being the actionable steps to bring those dreams to life.
Dreams are infinite and can exist solely in our thoughts, but goals are the tangible actions that turn those dreams into reality. The importance of moving from dreaming to doing was exemplified through the story of Walt Disney, a visionary who not only dreamed of creating Disney World but took concrete steps to turn it into a global phenomenon.
The B-Star Model
To guide participants in turning dreams into reality, Laura introduced the B-STAR model – Believable, Specific, Time-Bound, Accountable, and Rewarding. Each element of the model was explored in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of effective goal setting.
- Believable: Assess whether you truly believe in your ability to achieve the goal. Avoid setting goals based on societal expectations or 'shoulds.' Personal and professional goals both require genuine belief in their attainability.
- Specific: Make your goals specific and avoid vagueness. Specificity ensures clarity and a higher likelihood of achievement. For instance, instead of a general goal like 'losing weight,' specify the amount and timeframe, making it more achievable.
- Time-Bound: Integrate a sense of urgency by setting deadlines. Time-bound goals create a structured framework for accomplishment. The importance of milestones was highlighted as crucial markers to track progress, especially in long-term goals.
- Accountability: Regularly scheduled accountability appointments significantly increase the likelihood of goal achievement. Whether personal or professional, having someone to share progress with adds an extra layer of commitment and motivation.
- Rewarding: Understand your overarching motivation ('big R') for pursuing the goal. Additionally, identify ways to reward yourself at specific milestones ('little r') to maintain momentum and positive reinforcement.
The journey from dreams to goals is not just about setting targets but implementing a comprehensive model that aligns with your beliefs, specifies actions, includes deadlines, incorporates accountability, and recognizes the significance of rewards. Don't quit on your dreams; instead, embrace the power of goal setting to achieve the success you envision. As Laura wisely stated, "Don't make it harder than it has to be. Set yourself up for success."