Power Tool: Goal Setting vs. Dreaming

Coaching application

As a coach, you are responsible to help client to define his goals at the early stage of coaching process. You may ask some powerful questions as below:

1. If you were to FULLY live your life, what is the first change you would start to make?
2. What areas of your life could be upgraded/ tweaked?
3.  What could we work on now that would make the biggest difference to your life?
4. How would you feel about doubling that goal?
5. What are you tolerating/ putting up with?
6.  What do you want MORE of in your life? (Make a list)
7. What do you want LESS of in your life? (Make a list)
8.  What are three things you are doing regularly that do not serve or support you?
9. How could you make this goal more specific or measurable?
10. What would be the biggest impact from achieving your goal(s)?
11. What would you try now if you knew you could not fail?
12.  How can we make this something you’re aiming towards, rather than something you’re trying to move away from?
13. What do you love?
14. What do you hate?
15. What’s one thing you would love to do before you die?
16. Is now the right time for you to make a commitment to achieving these goals?
17. What could we work on right now that would really put a smile on your face?
18. For your life to be perfect, what would you have to change?
19. What do you really, really want?
20. What’s one change you could make to your lifestyle that would give you more peace?

Setting goals is more than deciding what you want to do, it involves figuring out what you need to do to get where you want to go and how long it will take you to get there. S.M.A.R.T goal setting is an excellent tool for coach to help client to define their goals. Always remember, the first step for client to success in any coaching process is knowing where he wants to go and having a plan to get there. Client’s goal is like a road map, which should be followed to achieve the aimed goals.

Some guidelines for goal setting in coaching

1. Goals should be meaningful to both the coach and coachee.
2. Goals must be objective, measurable and attainable.
3. Goals must be specific.
4. Goals must include a criterion for success.
5. Goals must be realistic but challenging.
6. Goals should be stated in a positive manner.
7. Progressive short-term goals should lead to a long-term goal.
8. Goals should have a target date for completion.
9. Goals should be few and should be prioritized.
10. Goals should be accompanied by strategies for achievement.
11. Goals must be recorded and monitored.
12. Goals must hold coachee accountable.
13. Goals must be reinforced or supported.

Reflection

References:

Goal Setting Create the Life of Your Dreams   www.success77.com

50 powerful questions www.solutionbox.com

Goal-Setting Strategies for Coaches. by B. Ann Boyce , Valerie King