It is widely acknowledged that individuals with well-defined goals tend to be more successful than those without any. The distinction between leadership and management is also significant, with leadership focusing on doing the right things and management on doing things right. Time management studies often prioritize efficiency (doing things right) while assuming effectiveness (leadership) is already in place.
The initial step in any time management system should involve goal-setting, and as such, we propose the following 60-Minute Goal Setting Exercise:
Step One: On a blank sheet of paper, write “values” at the top and spend 10 to 15 minutes listing everything you hold dear.
Step Two: At the top of a new blank sheet, write “lifetime goals.” This is an opportunity to dream about what you want to achieve in your lifetime. Consider the places you would like to visit, experiences you desire, or accomplishments you aspire to achieve. There are no constraints during this brainstorming session; simply create a list.
Step Three: On another blank sheet, write down what you would do if you had only six months to live. This aspect of the exercise is particularly poignant, as it brings into focus what is genuinely important in life. You may find items on this list that were not included in your lifetime goals.
Step Four: Lastly, on a new blank sheet, write down your goals for the current year. After completing the first three steps, this final stage should be much more straightforward. These are the immediate goals to concentrate on.
This entire exercise will require only one hour of your time. Investing an hour in clarifying your goals can potentially save you hundreds of hours in the long run.
