Are your goals or outcomes well formed?

At any time when you set a goal or have an outcome, it needs to be well formed.

How do you ensure a goal/outcome is well formed? Well, it must meet the following conditions:

1.  The goal or outcome must be stated in positive terms. State specifically what you want to achieve rather than what you don’t want.

2.  The goal must be initiated and maintained by you. Remember, if your goal depends on others then you will not have complete control over it. 

3.  Specify the steps that you need to take to achieve the outcome (e.g. use small and simple steps so that the goal/outcome is do-able).

4.  It must be ecological. The goal or outcome must be congruent with self and also with the people around you such as family, friends and colleagues and society as a whole (including legal, ethical and moral). Finally in today’s modern world the goal should be good for the planet.

5.  Always look for other options or alternatives, as often there is more than one way to achieve the outcome you are seeking.

6.  The initial step must be specified and achievable.

7.  The last condition requires the goal or outcome to increase choice.

If all of the above conditions are met, then the goal/outcome is well formed and you can now start taking your first steps to achieving the outcome. Importantly, along the way enjoy the journey to achieving your goal.