Deconstructing a Goal

Led by Bailey Talkington & Dennis Grove

 

 

When deconstructing a goal, work from the top down, Goal to Supporters. For more complex goals, connect each piece of the pyramid directly to the pieces below that support it in order to visualize how every step fits together. During the application, be sure to continuously return to your definition of success and redefine what that may mean. It is key to be honest in what is realistic.

 

Definitions:

Goal: The big picture “marquee sign” of what you are trying to achieve.

Definition of Success: The specific marker that will indicate that you have achieved your goal.

Barriers to Success: Things that may get in the way of you achieving your goal.

Means: The result of the actions you take in order to achieve your goal that add up to or result in your success.

How: The actions you take toward your goal, A.K.A. the boxes you check.

Prep: The preparation you do for the actions you plan to take toward your goal.

Doers: Those who take actions that are directly advancing your progress toward your goal. They are the people that check boxes.

Supporters: Those people and materials that provide support as you prepare and work towards your goal.

Deconstruction: Breaking down all the pieces needed to complete your goal.

Application: Taking the steps needed to accomplish your goal.

Redefining Success: Revisiting what success can realistically mean for your goal. For example, if you realize 30 minutes into a program that your group will never be able to successfully do a Zen Count to 20, you may redefine success for your group to be counting to 5.

 

Examples:

Goal: Finish my education.

  • Definition of Success: Completing all the classes necessary and receiving my Bachelor’s degree.

  • Barriers to Success: I will not be able to afford tuition for my third quarter given my current circumstances.

  • Means: The passing grades I receive for the classes required for my degree.

  • How: Study the material every night, arrive to class on time, complete every assignment, etc.

  • Prep: Charting out the classes you’ll need in a schedule that is realistic.

  • Doers: You

  • Supporters: Tutors, coworkers who cover your shifts so you can study, classmates who give you notes when you’re out sick, your parents when they encourage you to remember self care.

Goal: Inclusion in my program.

  • Definition of Success: Cross communication in cliques, appreciation for those outside of cliques, participation

  • Barriers to Success: Resistance

  • Means: Buy in

  • How: Front loading, establishing group norms, humor, play, the sequence you use

  • Prep: Writing out a plan, self care, communicating with the group, leaders, and co-facilitators

  • Doers: You, co-facilitators, participants

  • Supporters: Your manager, your personal support system, online resources for games

Supporters:

 

Remember: #doerscheckboxes