The Power of Goals

by Camille Andress, M.A., LCPC

Looking back on days and years of life I can see the impact of goals both big and small. As a young child I was often told by my mother to create goals, and for many years I resisted this guidance not realizing the merits. The importance of a goal is not necessarily in the goal itself, it is in the ability to face fear in creating goals, the courage to change and modify the goal and the growth as we work towards reaching the goal.

At times the greatest growth and change comes from goals that are not met, the sadness that needs to be faced, and the grieving of the dream not realized. As many of us set goals, we think of that mountain top moment when our goals are finally reached and realized, and while that is a wonderful emotional high, it is the process that leads to our ultimate change by the grace of God.

So now you’re likely wondering about goals and some helpful guidelines. I’d like to share two specific strategies that I enjoy while setting goals.

BHAG (BEE-hag) – Big Hairy Audacious Goal – This is a concept presented by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. The overall concept is to create a goal that is big, scary and potentially not achievable. The intended result of this is that an individual or organization will strive for growth and change. For example, if your goal is to walk a mile your likelihood of success is high; however if you create a goal to run a 5k within the next 3 months you have created a goal that requires some work, sacrifice and change. You may not achieve this goal, but the chances that you have changed as a result are higher with the creation of a more audacious goal. Some goals in life may be BHAGs while others are more routine and achievable. Balance and growth is the objective.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals are the second concept that may help you create healthy goals. George Doran first presented the concept of SMART goals in 1981. By creating a SMART goal you are outlining what is expected and how you will know if your goal has been reached. This takes your goal from “to go for a run” to “to run a 5k on November 22nd in the Grayslake IL Turkey Trot race.”

Below are the elements of a SMART Goal

Specific – linked to your overall goals. Answers the question of who? And what?

Measurable – the success towards meeting the goal can be measured. Answers the question how?

Attainable – the goal can be achieved in a specific amount of time

Relevant – the goal are related to overall tasks and focus of growth

Time Framed – there is a clear timeframe including a potential deadline

Goals can be both big and small, they can last the span of years or only a few short weeks or even days. The challenge of the goal is to step forward in faith, allowing God to shape you and change you through his power and not yours alone. To not be conformed to this world in striving for our own success but being transformed by allowing God to work through you for his glory.