The Secret to Being a Successful Goal Digger

The following is a guest post byBy Alan Fox.  His bio follows.

Many years ago, I heard a statement from a management consultant that has stuck with me ever since.

“People with goals,” he said, “use people without goals.

This is one of those statements that seems both obvious and important the moment you hear it.  It reminds me of one my favorite quotes from George Eliot (from his novel Adam Bede): “It’s them that take advantage that get advantage in this world.”

I know it sounds harsh, but it’s true. Think about it.

Suppose you and I decide to see a movie.  I say, “What would you like to see?” You say, “The new Star Wars movie.  I’ve really been looking forward to it.” Which movie do we see?  The new Star Wars movie, of course!  Why?  Because you had a goal and I had none, other than to see a movie with you.

This adage is particularly true when it comes to your career. Why do you think that one of the most common questions you encounter during job interviews is where you see yourself in 5 years? I’ve interviewed hundreds of people over the years for my company, and I’ve found that those who have a clear answer to that question tend to thrive and move up quickly. While those whose sense of their future is more vague, soon move onto something else.

I’ve learned to hire those with the clearest sense of direction for their lives. They are the kind of people that will bring success to themselves and my company—not just because of talent and acumen, but because they’re clear about who they are and where they’re going.

The Secret to Being a Successful Goal Digger

If you’re panicking right now because you’re not clear about your own goals, don’t worry! You’re not alone. We can’t all be lucky enough to be blessed with a sense of clear direction from an early age. Most of us have to work for it. And you CAN work for it. You just have to take the time to get to know yourself, through some introspection and a little trial and error.

Think about where you are now and ask yourself if it makes you happy. Are you fulfilled? If not, what do you need to do to change that? What big goals do you have for your future that maybe you haven’t wanted to admit to yourself or others? Do you want to run your own company some day? Or write a book? Think about it. Fearlessly.

Once you’ve found your big goal, the fun begins. And this is where you really need to muster up your courage. It’s time to get down to the business of making a plan for achieving them. Don’t listen to doubters (especially the ones in your own head). As the Nike slogan goes, “Just do it.”

You’ll be happy you did. And if you really commit yourself, I guarantee your life will change. . . for the better. What you achieve might look different than what you envisioned, but it will be more fulfilling and exciting than where you are now.

You’ll be more directed. You’ll attract more success. You’ll have a better sense of your priorities.

As one of my favorite writers, George Bernard Shaw, once wrote: “One man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven’t and don’t.”

And while I don’t think of life as a competition, I do know that success comes more freely to those who have a clear idea of what they want and where they’re going. So get started!

About Alan:

Alan Fox has lived a long and joyful life, achieving tremendous success in many different arenas. He has advanced degrees in accounting, law, education, and professional writing. He has expanded his commercial real estate company, ACF Property Management, Inc into a billion dollar enterprise since founding it in 1968. He founded Rattle Poetry Journal (in 1994), a nationally renowned publication including his conversations to noted and Pulitzer Prize winning poets.

Alan’s message  is simple: the key to happiness and success in life is building strong relationships. That’s exactly what Alan has done throughout his life. You can learn more about Alan’s People Tools by picking up a copy of either of his books, or by reading his blog, where he posts new tools and insights every week.

Images:

Goals Celestine Chua  Compass Johan