July 7, 2009

Getting Great with Goals

I just read a great article in the January, 2009 edition of body and soul. There are so many assessment tools; it’s hard to know what to do with the information - especially when the results of different assessments conflict with each other. This one, created by Tamara Lowe (Get Motivated!), has three areas of concern:
  • What motivates you?
  • What fulfills you?
  • What inspires you to do your best?

In the "what drives you?" category, is it competition and deadlines or collaboration and relationships? If it’s competition, you are a Producer and probably everyone you know is aware that you get more done in the morning than most people get done in an entire day. If, instead, you are someone who likesteamwork and has high value for relationship, you are a Connector. You probably like to spend quality time with others and your strive to fit in rather than stand out.

What makes you feel fulfilled? You would choose either of these situations: order and routine or adventure and change. If you love having a schedule and predictability, you are a Stabilizer. However, if you love new ideas and innovation you are a Variable.

When do you want to do your best? Is it when you feel validated because you make a contribution or do you prefer tangible rewards (like money). If it’s appreciation that floats your boat, you’re an Internal and you want to make a difference in the world. Externals love attention and compensation. 

Here’s where I get confused. Sometimes, when given a choice between two options, I feel strongly about both! For example, In the fulfillment category, I love schedules and I delight in doing new things. I found help in this article because it suggests things that will jumpstart if you are stall in the different categories.

Under each description, I’ve listed two jumpstart solutions for stagnation that are truly valuable.

PRODUCER Gets things done
    Crunch numbers
    Make it a game

CONNECTOR Relations rule    
    Find collaborators
    Have an accountability partner

STABILIZER Loves Schedules    
    Eliminate distractions
    Plan the steps
    
VARIABLE Loves Adventure    
    Break the rules
    Have fun

INTERNAL Make a difference
    Reconnect with mission
    Journal

EXTERNAL Attention and reward
    Celebrate achievements
    Affirm every action

Since I am mostly an Internal Variable Connector, when I feel stuck I can see a few simple ideas to help me pull out of the quicksand. Since I have strong Stabilizer tendencies, if breaking the rules and having fun don’t do the trick, I can always try eliminating distractions and making a plan of the various steps. In fact, I have used all those jumpstart ideas to create a life that works! I am thankful to Tamara Lowe for simplifying what might have been a complex topic for me.


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