We’ve all got goals. There’s something we’re after, or something we want to be.

Awareness is the first step. Define what it is you want, or what needs to be done. 

For example:

• “I want to be more patient. I didn’t mean to bark at Shelly in that meeting! I could use some better tools for keeping my patience under stress.”

• “I want to feel fit. My clothes are feeling a little tight. I’ll try being more mindful and slow down when I’m eating.”

• “I want to learn the piano. Life is short. I’m going to schedule those lessons!”

Intention is second. Have a clear (and achievable!) goal in mind:

• I’m going to look into coaching to help with my patience.”

• I’ll text some friends to see if anyone wants to go for a run on the weekends.

• I’m going to start practicing piano twice a week.

Action is next. Could you prove you're doing something with your actions? Put aside your own thoughts and intentions. Would an outside observer agree? Press it further, pretend for a moment you were in a court of law. Would your “argument” hold up? Or, would there be enough "evidence" to "convict" you?

• “Well, he says he’s a very impatient person and very short with people. And, sure, he used to be that way. But he’s told us he knows that about himself and he is working to get better. We’ve seen him give people more time to speak at meetings, sometimes he’s a little sharp, but he’s asked us to tell him when he’s doing that. I know he’s working with a coach on Tuesdays on communication”

• “Your honor, she says she wants to stay in shape, yet there’s nothing on her calendar, she’s not joined any gyms, yoga studios, we checked all the walking groups. In speaking with her family and friends they’ve not been asked to go on walks or even heard about her talk about this. We checked her receipts, no walking shoes - we saw several orders for doritos and cakes a few days before The Bachelor.”

• “She bought piano books, she watched a whole bunch of YouTube videos on playing piano, but when asked how often she practices on an actual piano, she doesn’t have a straight answer.”

Be self-aware. Be intentional. Then act—in a meaningful way.

Prove it. To yourself.

About The Author

Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense. 

Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.