What do you strive for?

Is there something that you really really want for your professional life? Have you ever told anyone about it or written it down?

A few years ago I hosted an Executive Leadership Master Class series for alumni at my institution. One of the sessions featured a fireside chat with a very successful, impressive, and approachable CEO and business owner. Among the many nuggets of wisdom that he shared with the group, there is one that has stuck with me to this day-- the practice of setting and writing lofty goals.

He explained that he doesn't set New Years Resolutions. Instead, beginning in November, he starts to write down goals that he hopes to accomplish in the next year. He writes 10-15. He doesn't hold himself back. He's honest about what he wants and he sets big goals. Want to know the most remarkable thing about this? He accomplishes all of them.

He introduced this practice to his son by showing him the lists of goals that he's set for himself over the years. His son was amazed to see how his father's goals turned into big wins for his father's career, business and life. By putting his goals on paper, sharing them with others and keeping them top of mind, they served as guideposts to help him make decisions. They went from abstract ideas to concrete actions and strategies. They became reality.

For me, this practice showcases the power of putting thoughts into action. The power of investing in yourself. The power of including others in your life plan.

I took the chance to voice one of my big goals in my annual performance review last spring. It felt lofty and uncomfortable to write down, but I told myself to do it anyway. Lo and behold, the power of sharing my goal started to grow. I started to think about it differently-- maybe this isn't so farfetched? Maybe I can take small steps to accomplish it? Maybe there's new research that I can conduct that can help me move forward?

The more that I thought, researched and shared my idea, the more possible it became. To my surprise and delight, I discovered a way to make this goal a reality. As a result, I'll be working hard this year to ensure that my goal is achieved.

I share this story as a gift for you, too. This week I encourage you to reflect on the big goals that you have for your life and career. Own them. Share them. Write them down. What do you have to lose? They might just become your reality.

Self-reflection:

What do you strive for?

What does it mean to you?

Who have you told about it?

How can you begin to make it a reality?