Neshica Bheem, Director at Coachfluence, a global Coaching & Consulting firm focused on unlocking value for clients.
In Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a thought-provoking exchange takes place between Alice and the enigmatic Cheshire Cat. The conversation encapsulates a fundamental truth about life: knowing where you’re headed is crucial for making meaningful progress. As the Cheshire Cat famously remarks, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
This principle applies not only to the whimsical world of Wonderland but also to the professional realm. In the fast-paced working world, having a clear direction and well-defined goals can be the difference between soaring success and stumbling uncertainty. While many are familiar with SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound—I propose a different approach: EPIC goals—expansive, purposeful, imaginative and calculable.
Expansive: Allow Yourself To Think Big
In setting EPIC goals, we free ourselves from conventional constraints and embrace the freedom to think big. It may mean envisioning ambitious goals that appear out of reach in our current circumstances. However, history has shown that all great achievements started as seemingly unattainable dreams. By thinking expansively, we open ourselves to unparalleled opportunities and unleash our full potential.
Purposeful: Align Goals With Your Authentic Self
Goals without purpose are mere wishes. To make them truly meaningful, we must align our goals with our authentic selves—our values, passions and sense of purpose. When our objectives resonate with our core being, they can ignite a deep sense of inspiration and drive. The pursuit of purposeful goals sustains our motivation and keeps us steadfast on the journey to success.
Imaginative: Embrace The Power Of Vision
Imagination is the canvas upon which we paint our dreams. In the realm of EPIC goals, we give ourselves permission to visualize the future we desire. We paint vivid mental pictures of our achievements and envision the impact they will have on our lives and the world around us. By embracing imagination, we can unlock innovative solutions, tap into untapped resources and navigate challenges with resilience.
Calculable: Measure Progress And Milestones
Dreams become goals when we define clear milestones and establish a timeline for achievement. Calculability in EPIC goal-setting involves creating a roadmap to measure progress. When we know where we stand in relation to our goals, we can gain insights into what’s working and what needs adjustment. Celebrating milestones along the way can fuel our motivation and reinforce our commitment to the journey.
And to truly make these goals EPIC, add ME (that’s you):
Make It A Habit: The Power of Consistency
To manifest our EPIC goals, we must cultivate the habit of regular review and refinement. Writing down our goals and keeping them visible serves as a constant reminder of our aspirations. We actively seek opportunities to grow and gather resources that align with our objectives. Embracing the habit of consistency empowers us to stay the course and navigate any detours that life may throw our way.
Embrace An Accountability Partner
Verbalizing our goals to someone we trust adds an extra layer of commitment and accountability. An accountability partner can provide objective support and encouragement, helping us stay focused on our aspirations. Coaches make excellent accountability partners, offering external perspectives and non-judgmental guidance. Friends or family members who fit this profile can also serve as valuable allies on our journey to success.
Life is brimming with distractions and opportunities, and without a clear destination, we may wander aimlessly. Embrace the philosophy of EPIC goal-setting—set your sights high, align your aspirations with your purpose, unleash the power of imagination and chart a calculable path to success.
Much like Alice pondering her next steps in Wonderland, begin your journey towards EPIC goals today. Remember, every significant achievement begins with a purposeful step forward. Embrace the extraordinary and let your goals propel you to heights you once thought impossible.
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