The Most Effective Way I Know To Reach A Goal

We all have things we want.  We want to lose weight. travel, retire early, have more meaningful relationships, sleep better, be healthier, the list goes on and on. But how do you go about making these dreams become reality? Create a plan to make them happen, a goal.  

“A goal is a dream with a deadline,” Napoleon Hill.

If you ask a health coach, they will tell you the key to reaching your goals is to set SMART goals.  A SMART goal is:

Specific: It has to have a clear definition.

Measurable: It has to have a way to be quantified.

Attainable: It has to be achievable and relevant.

Relevant: It aligns with your values and long-term goals.

Time-bound: It has to have a deadline. 

But what happens after you set a SMART goal? Many times people embark upon their goals only to find that there are obstacles in their life or the goal is too much of a behavioral overhaul that it isn’t sustainable.  There has to be a deeper dive into one’s reality and lifestyle and smaller steps need to be taken to reach the ultimate goal.  That’s where the GROW model comes in.  

GROW is a tool used by health coaches to help narrow and break down the steps that need to be taken in order to reach a goal.  GROW stands for:

Goal: What do you want to accomplish?    

Reality: What are your current obstacles or situation?

Options: What are some of your strengths or resources?

Way Forward: What is the next step?

Let me give you an example of each technique for a person that wants to lose weight. 

Person A: My SMART goal is to lose 5lbs in the next month by not eating out during the week. A month goes by and they were unable to lose the weight they wanted because they were busy and ate out  2-3 nights each week.  Most people would either beat themselves up for not sticking exactly to the goal and/or give up on what seemed like a realistic goal at the time.  

Here’s what it would look like if they re-evaluated the goal and applied the GROW model. 

Person A: My goal is to lose 5 lbs. in the next month by not eating out during the week. My reality is that I have a tough time making meals every night because of __________ (my kids sports schedule, I don’t get home until late, I’m exhausted, etc.).  I am really good at planning ahead though, and have an Instant Pot that I enjoy using.  So, for the next month, I will meal prep on Sundays for the week.  I will make at least 2 dinners with leftovers for the nights I work late and have 2 quick meal options that I can throw in my pressure cooker for the nights I don’t feel like cooking. I will be successful when I only eat out once during the week.

By setting a goal and utilizing the GROW model to examine their challenges and strengths, the person was able to identify the key to their success and also create the definition of short-term success (cutting down eating out to only once per week) that can be built upon.  Sometimes it really is that simple.  Other times it takes a bit more exploration.

Depending upon one’s goals and reality, the key to success might not be quite as obvious.  This is where a coach can really help make a difference in creating new habits and helping you reach goals that are challenging. Someone to hold space for you, help see your strengths, brainstorm, and keep track of the big picture can help facilitate lasting growth and development.