Leaders set goals for themselves and for their organizations. Here’s a new years resolution for a leader. Use Proverbs 4.25-27 to focus on accomplishing the goals you’ve set!
The Precept Applied
Goal setting is a common New Years activity.
Typically, those goals appear as resolutions that are quickly forgotten.
For example, by one estimate resolutions last less than a month.
Similarly, another estimate says January 12 is the drop dead date for most resolutions. Thus, not very encouraging!
Conversely, for-profit and non-profit organizations set goals that are carried out as part of their strategic plans. Or not! Because sometimes strategic plans are made, then shelved and forgotten.
After Goal Setting
Although goal setting is important, this post, for the most part, looks at the process that follows goal setting. In other words, the emphasis here is on execution.
That said, a new years resolution for a leader could be the following.
First, focus on the goals you have set already.
Then, use careful deliberation as to how you will reach those goals.
Finally, be very persistent in execution of actions toward reaching the goals.
Focus – Deliberation – Execution
Goal Setting in Proverbs
This three step model of focus, deliberation, and execution was shared by Solomon 3,000 years ago. Thus, it’s hardly something that’s ground-breaking or new!
And, before you ask, the answer is “No,” I don’t think Solomon took a Strengths test before recording these precepts!
That said, this model from the Proverbs is easy to understand. Also, it’s not complex to put into practice.
The following diagram outlines the key elements of goal execution as shared in Proverbs.
Two Prerequisites
Proverbs 4.25-27 emphasizes goal execution. That said, Proverbs does provide some insights about goal selection.
First, before I set goals, I must take a hard look at who I am. Why? Because my character is the core from which I work toward goal accomplishment.
In fact, Proverbs 4.23 warns us to protect our character above all else. Why so? Because, without that sound foundation, a leader’s goals will be self-serving.
Additionally, reverence (Proverbs 1.7), humility (Proverbs 3.34), and interpersonal discretion (Proverbs 4.24) are elements of a just character.
Second, is the life goal itself. For example, see Proverbs 1.2 and Ecclesiastes 1.17. There, Solomon shared his life goal – “to know wisdom.” Above all else, he desired to understand and live out the universal precepts.
As it turns out, all of those individual precepts are collected together under the heading “wisdom.”
Here’s Your Goal: Build these eternal precepts into your life! How? By learning from experiences. Proverbs 4.5 paraphrase
The Role of Desire
Desire or motivation can be internal or external. Regardless, desire drives me toward goal accomplishment.
Thus, one way to view desire is to see it as the touch point between my character and my life goals. In this way, desire is a reflection of what I value most in life.
As it turns out, motivation can vary from leader to leader. However, it’s often wrapped up in career accomplishment.
Desire in Proverbs and Psalms
The Proverbs note the importance of desire. For example, In Proverbs 18.1 we read that desire is a component of learning the precepts.
Second, in Proverbs 13.19 we read that desire, when accomplished, brings inner satisfaction.
Third, in Proverbs 13.12, we read about the frustration of delayed accomplishment.
Fourth, Psalm 10.17 notes the role of humility in the accomplishment of a desire. Interestingly, it also adds to the mix the divine transformation of who I am.
Therefore, according to this model in the Proverbs, who I am interacts with the goals I set. What’s the outcome? A desire to see those goals accomplished.
That brings us to goal execution, a new years resolution for a leader.
Goal Execution – Stay Focused
The instruction in Proverbs 4.25-27 is very direct. Just like an order!
First, in 4.25, it orders me to look straight ahead. Ahead at what? Well, at the goal. Thus, at the end-point. Yes, this is the 1,000 BC version of “begin with the end in mind.”
“People are working harder than ever, but because they lack clarity and vision, they aren’t getting very far. They, in essence, are pushing a rope with all of their might.”
Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Goal Execution – Be Deliberative
Second, in 4.26, I’m told to think carefully – to ponder – about how I will get to where I want to go. Thus, I’m to be deliberate or thoughtful in my actions. I’m to be proactive.
Similarly, in Proverbs 5.6 I’m told to “ponder the path of life …” Also, in 5.21 I read that “the Lord ponders (my) goings.”
In short, think before you take action toward a goal.
Thus, it’s good to have a goal. However, it’s not good if I’m careless about identifying the steps needed to accomplish that goal.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”
Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Goal Execution – Persist
Third, in 4.27, the order is to not get distracted. Therefore, don’t turn to the right or to the left. Instead of being distracted, I’m to persist toward executing the goal. In other words, put first things first.
Thus, it’s good to have a goal. However, it’s not good if I’m easily distracted away from working toward that goal.
“Putting first things first means organizing and executing around your most important priorities.”
Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Leadership Insight
If you’re in a leadership position, I’ll bet you can think of dozens of really good reasons why you get distracted from your goals.
For example, the press of daily emergencies – say, in the form of personnel conflicts – are just one.
Another? How about new initiatives handed down from on high! Maybe you even have initiative fatigue!
Maintaining Focus
So, how does a leader maintain focus. And, find time to think. Plus, persist toward goals in the face of so much noise?
Worst yet, what do you do when annual performance expectations have not changed. However, your priorities seem to be at odds with the individual you report to?
If there were easy answers to these types of questions there would be no leadership consultants! And no leadership books! Or blogs! Or podcasts!
That said, a new years resolution for a leader could include some of the following.
Some Suggestions
What follows are some practical suggestions for managing the stress of balancing focus – deliberation – execution.
However, note that I’m not a “time-hacks” person; you can find plenty of those efficiency suggestions elsewhere.
A Suggestion – Professional
1). Block time for what’s most critical in your professional life. This means putting a time block on your calendar. Then, have an understanding with your admin that the time block is not to be moved.
When is that time block? That’s your call, but I suggest finding time when you’re at your best in regard to being able to think strategically.
Guess what? It may be 7:00 AM, depending on the severity of your time demands.
Similarly, if you started your career in sales, don’t you remember the golden hours?
Likewise, one simple version of this method is to check and answer email in set blocks of time during the day instead of on-demand as they arrive. Also, another variant is to delegate, delete, or delay so that everything isn’t Priority One.
For instance, I once had a supervisor who was criticized, correctly, for not being able to prioritize anything. The person was nice, but was totally ineffective as a leader. As you would expect, the results for the business unit were not good.
A Suggestion – Operational
2). Track, Report, and Review. Nothing beats working with your leadership team to track progress on each goal on the strategic plan. That reporting gets down to the level of Who, When, and How.
Then, share that progress with your entire business unit. Also, share with your board.
For example, I’m in higher education. My business unit has a specialty accreditation. Instead of just reporting in five-year cycles, our management team lives and reports the accreditation goals every year. Thus, our accomplishments are treated much like a continuous process.
Similarly, if you’re in sales, you know all about daily tracking of sales calls, and closes, and monthly quotas.
Therefore, these two are simply examples of breaking a big problem into manageable chunks. In both cases, the outcome is goal accomplishment.
A Suggestion – Personal
3). Block time for what’s most critical in your personal life. There’s no payback for long-term neglect for your family, your physical health, or your spiritual development.
You know this, right?
I’m an early riser because I go to bed early. Thus, for me my Bible study time is the first hour of each day.
I get it – such a time block doesn’t work for everyone. However, if you don’t find a time – the time for yourself and your family never gets done!
A Suggestion – Practical
4). Recognize that no schedule is absolutely fixed every day. Leaders must handle interruptions, but not as problems. Instead, see them as an opportunity to have an impact on the life of someone else.
Remember, if you’re absolutely inflexible about your schedule, hence laser focused, you’re in for lots of frustration!
Apply This Today!
Leaders who live in the weeds of distraction, and in the world of small things, are going to struggle with goal focus.
Leaders who are hard-headed and are poor listeners, thus unable to sense what’s happening on their team, are going to struggle with goal execution.
Like it or not, goal accomplishment is tied directly to who I am as a person.
Who I am as a person, and what I desire to accomplish, will help write my life goals. Unfortunately, if those goals are all about me, my career and my personal life will both suffer.
A worthy new years resolution for a leader is goal execution. As a leader, I’m paid to produce. I’m expected to make decisions. I get that.
A better new years resolution for a leader is to make certain those goals reach hearts and not simply heads.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
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