Do you know what your goals look like?

Do you know what your goals look like?

If we are defined by what we do and what we do is shaped by our goals, the process of goal-setting is vital to our path to greatness. Often we set goals and don’t know what they look like. We say things like “I will do better next time,” or “everyday I’ll get better.” But what does better look like? How do you know when you’re better, and how much better is good enough?


Before you huff and puff about the goal setting acronym you think is on the way, save it!! I am going to propose a different way to think about goal setting. I propose that we take the time to visualize our goals. I mean really see them. I’m talking HD, 3D, Blu-Ray see them. Imagine the hard work, the right work, the setbacks, and the achievements.


So often goals are simply notches on our belt, or necessary evils for us to live a certain lifestyle. Aside from our END LINE FOCUS, goals are simply items on a to-do list. Normally, when we set goals, we concentrate on the quantitative aspect (one more thing checked off the to-do list) of reaching new heights. This sets up the structure or bones of our dreams and aspirations. It provides a decent outline, but when things begin to fall apart and “it” finally hits the fan, you need more than an outline or skeleton!


The visualizing I’m suggesting we do is how you put the meat on the bones! Something you can sink your teeth into when you are forced to regroup.


The next time you set a goal for yourself, I want you to know what it looks like. I want you to be able to close your eyes and see it, take a deep breath and smell it, lick your lips and taste it!!


The process works by engaging your imagination and your quantitative thought process. Normally, these two thought processes occur separately. By combining these two opposite ways of thinking, we are able to balance them both while formulating a more complete idea.


Think about it. When you are planning an event, you have a different thought process for coming up with the budget than coming up with ideas for a social activity. And sometimes, that budget planning thought process will kill a couple of big ideas you have. That’s because you have two opposing thought processes going on and we have always been taught that prudence wins out. However, through the process of visualizing your goals, you can combine both processes and achieve bigger and better. Instead of letting your budget kill your big ideas, let your big ideas fill your coffers and grow your budget.


When visualizing your goals beware of the “tiara and crowns” trap! It’s important that we paint an accurate picture of our success. Often we hear of musicians that dedicate so much time to “making it” only to lose it all. They didn’t think about everything that came along with making it, they just saw the tiara and crown. Don’t let the smooth taste fool you; reaching our personal greatness is a stubbornly difficult process. Paint that part of the picture too!


Great Action:

♦ First, write down your goals the way most people do, in sequential list form.


♦ Then take each goal and write a brief 3-5 sentence paragraph about how you will achieve the goal. Include things that may be an obstacle to meeting the goal.


♦ Then come up with solutions, no matter how off the wall they may seem, as long as they’re feasible…list them! This is the visualization/defining process.



♦ Last, work right, work smart, and work hard. See what happens when you define your goals instead of listing them.


Stop viewing your goals as task on a to-do list and start seeing them for what they are, building blocks on your path to personal greatness.



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Chris Collins

Chris is a speaker, author, and consultant with a message that is inspiring students across the country.

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By Chris Collins 09 May, 2024
Congratulations to all the scholars finishing up the school year, YOU MADE IT!! There are some big changes coming up for you next semester. So the team here at Chris C Speaks came up with 10 tips to help you #makesummercount so you will be ready for your next step! The first step is realizing that #leadershipisaverb so that means what you do (the actions you take) this summer will help to prepare for your next step, whether it’s high school, college, entering the workforce, starting a business, or something all together different. You may not know it yet, but how you spend your summer will either set you up to run the next stage of life or get run off it! 1 – Read a book for growth AND for fun – yes that means you have to read two books!! I used to only read books for fun; stuff I was interested in or something that was about to be turned in to movie. Then I went on a kick where I only read a book that was going to increase my net worth. SMH there is power in balance. 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It allows you put positive energy into the atmosphere, make a positive impact on someone’s life, and realize how blessed you are. It also allows you to put your time where your heart is all while growing/building your network. It is highly likely that the folks you meet when you volunteer and do community service surrounding things you are interested in will share similar interest as you, so you get to be around like minded folks with a passion for helping others. Those are some of the best folks to know. I am firm believer that your net worth is tied directly to your network. 3 – Practice a Real World Skill You Hate I hate washing clothes, especially white clothes!! I’d rather buy new white tees and undershirts than wash them. Even though I hate washing clothes, I know HOW to wash them! I will never forget my first year as an RA and a student turned all their clothes tie-dye because they put bleach in their color clothes load 🤯 🤦🏾! 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