Goals are defining stones that determine the course of one’s life. Everyone has one or many goals and each one is on a quest to achieve it. The term goal achievement is very common and most of us have objectives, strategies, and visions to achieve the goal we have set for the course of our lives. In spite of having such great insight about our own goals and what needs to be done, we always find ourselves in a position where moving forward becomes difficult. That is one of the major reasons why there is so much being said about goal achievement.
The key to achieving any goal is self-awareness. An understanding of what one is capable of, what affects the psyche and what are the circumstances, many such factors play a vital role in one’s journey to achieving any goal. Let me introduce three dimensions of energy for efficient achievement of any goal according to the master certified coach Takahiko Taniguchi, who is one of the best coaches in Japan. There are 3 dimensions of energy that one needs to consider from the point of one’s standing.
The Positive Push
Every goal begins with a vision. In order to move yourself from where you are now to a higher point one needs energy. This energy is usually a positive push which motivates. It focuses on the outcome. It also brings the joy of achievement emotionally. When you visualise yourself achieving the goal, you experience a great satisfaction and you know it will also bring joy to the people associated with you. This method is also very effective in taking you back to why you set out to achieve this goal in the first place; the reason behind the goal makes the endeavor purpose oriented and drives you to move forward. That is the first dimension of energy.
Fear Of Failure
When you move forward and if there is a failure of any kind, there is an opposite energy at work. The fear of failure, the fear of taking a risk. There is a thought at the back of the mind when you try taking a step in a situation like this, what if I fail, what if this won’t work out like the last time. The lack of confidence comes in the way. You feel that you don’t have the skills to complete the task. This negative energy pulls you down from moving toward the goal and is holding you back in the track. This is the second dimension of energy.
The Comfort Zone Trap
This dimension of energy is what is called the comfort zone energy. The other two dimensions pull you in opposite directions, one takes you up and closer to the goal, the other one takes you down and farther from the goal. The third dimension of energy keeps you where you are and stops you from moving forward. For example, if you decide that you want to start jogging from tomorrow, there is a will to move towards the goal of health and fitness. But when it is time, somewhere in your body and mind you have a comfort zone thought process that tells you that you are sleeping and are comfortable and would want to stay as is. This dimension of energy cannot be neglected because as humans our brain is conditioned to avoid taking risks. Any new challenge, a new activity, a change is equivalent to taking a risk of trying it, it is a preset tendency that is common to all. So when you think of achieving a higher goal and change yourself to move forward from the now, it is good to be mindful of what is stopping you and what is keeping you where you are in the comfort zone.
Acceptance Is The Key
As a leader when you decide to achieve a goal, you are aware of the energies at play. Using this method of aligning your energy, the first dimension of energy should be higher than the other two energies. Coaching helps with balancing these three dimensions of energy. It is simply not correct to say that we should not have this negative energy because it is common to have fear or lack of confidence when a person is starting something new as this is a part of the human psyche. We cannot deny the existence of this negative energy because it is very much present and we must face them to be able to move forward.
Organisations Need It Too
This is applicable to the organisation as well. When an organisation has an objective, they have a vision and strategy to achieve that goal. But each employee working in that organisation has an energy of their own. But even if they have the same goal of achieving what the organisation has targeted, there is a possibility of some having the fear of failure or fear of taking risks because of their past experience. Some may have given their best in the past or may have proposed something that adds value and to which the ex-boss may have not reacted positively. This second dimension holds them back from working towards the goal efficiently. There may be the third dimension at play as well. They may be comfortable with being where they are, not wanting to grow with the salary or the experience. So as a leader you must be mindful of these energies operating within the team.
So this is applicable to both the organisation’s goal achievement and individual’s goal achievement.