Hello all, I usually write blogs based on my real-time experiences with technology. However, this time I’m sharing a non-technical blog inspired by a recent conversation. Last week, I spoke with one of my mentees, who was unsure about planning his career path and working towards his goals.
This prompted me to share what I’ve learned about defining career or personal goals and regularly tracking progress. One effective method is the “GROW” technique, which stands for:
- G – Goal
- R – Reality
- O – Options
- W – Will
First, you need to define the GOAL you want to achieve. Once you set your GOAL, half the journey is already covered. As Tony Robbins wisely said, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” To define your goal clearly, consider these questions: Where do you want to go?
- What do you want to achieve?
- What does your GOAL look like specifically?
How do you define your GOAL? Once you have defined your goal, assess yourself against it to better understand your current reality. As Richard Wagner said, “Imagination creates reality.” A clear assessment of your situation requires considering the following key parameters:
- What is happening right now?
- How does your situation impact your GOAL?
- What resources are available to you?
When you understand and assess your reality, you can then explore the options available to reach goal. Here are a few questions to help you identify your OPTIONS:
- What OPTIONS are available to you?
- How might these OPTIONS play out?
- How would you rank these OPTIONS?
Once you have listed all the available options, you must commit to a path forward by determining your WILL. Continuously assess your willpower and commitment in relation to your goal. How committed are you to your GOAL?
- What are the FIRST steps forwards?
- What might get in your way?
I have personally used this technique to define my professional goals and track my progress to achieve them.