As we answer these questions and our goals become clear, we can begin creating action steps or tasks to achieve them. It is important to examine each action step to ensure the steps are in sequential order. This may require a few initial progressive actions steps that can then be broken down into smaller tasks. When creating a goal-oriented task list, it is helpful to continually ask:
will this task help me reach my goal?
Once their connection to the goal is clear, the tasks can then be effectively incorporated into our to-do list.
The second step in making our actions more effective is to examine the individual tasks on our to-do lists. We all have tasks, or chores, that need to be done as a part of daily living. As mentioned above, just as we overlook the “how” for our goals, we forget to really examine the “why” behind the tasks we do. Some of the questions we can ask are:
As we answer these questions, we may realize many tasks can be eliminated or delegated to free up valuable time.
Tasks, then, can be important steps to our success if we understand the reason behind the task. Without the why we can waste valuable time trying to complete tasks and get nowhere with reaching our goals.
This was the case with Maria. When she took the time to examine her to-do list, she discovered a mix of goals with no action steps, and tasks unrelated to her goals or unnecessary for her to complete. She redid her list to clearly define her goals, delegate some tasks, prioritize others, and make new ones based on her goals. With more clarity as to why she was “doing” her tasks she found she was finally “accomplishing” her goals.
Reflection
Coaching Application
As a coach, your goal is to support your client in creating their desired life. A primary part of that is helping the client to discover what is working, what is not, and why.
When a client is frustrated about their progress, helping them take a look at day to day activities can unlock the key to moving forward. Clearly understanding the difference between a goal and a task will enable the client to focus, prioritize, delegate, and manage their time more effectively – and more successfully.
Reflection
[1] Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives. Management Review, Volume 70, Issue 11(AMA FORUM), pp. 35-36.
[2] The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.