We all know about the 5 Ps and what they stand for don’t we? (if not, read on to learn more). In my opinion it’s the fundamental principles behind the 5 Ps that are characteristically lacking when most of us reveal our (often repeated) New Year Resolutions, and it’s not as you might be thinking due to the seasonal
celebratory drinking either.
I say ‘most of us’ because I know there are some people out there who consider themselves to be what I call Peak Performers in everything they do. Peak
Performers are naturally ‘doers’. For instance, Peak Performers don’t talk about New Year Resolutions; instead they plan New Year Solutions. These are
conducted with the same military like precision, enthusiasm and know-how that they use to plan any other goal or mission they wish to accomplish.
What’s more, Peak Performers consistently achieve their goals. Not simply
because they expect to achieve their goals, although that does play an important role in their success. It’s largely because they adopt and embrace the essential principles behind the 5 Ps.
This was never better demonstrated than in the 1953 experiment conducted
using Harvard and Yale students. It was established that on graduating, only 3% of the students had written goals, these were reviewed constantly over the following 10 years. It subsequently transpired that those students in the 3%
visualisation exercises. Anthony Robbins author of "Awaken The Giant Within" considers the reading of goals at least six times a day, starting first thing in the morning and finishing last thing at night, as nurturing brain food and essential to success.
Action without clarity of purpose is useless. Therefore, purpose, desired
outcomes, commitment and actions must all be defined. To help format your or clients' goals, use SMARTER. SMARTER stands for Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic, Time orientated, Exciting and Reviewed. If a goal isn’t specific, it can’t be measured and it’s not achievable or realistic in the timeframe then it’s not a SMARTER goal. The answer must be yes to each of the criteria laid down to ensure success.
It’s also important to acknowledge that major changes may need to be broken down into a series of smaller changes. For example if a goal is to secure a
particular promotion, a sequence of events or smaller goals may need to be
fulfilled before you are able to achieve the end result.
Remember, goals can be for individuals, families and businesses.
To summarise, goals must be:
- Congruent with personal values
- Written down, dated and prioritised
- Reviewed constantly
- Stated in positive language (and in the present tense)
- Measurable and balanced
- Outcome related
- Physically possible
- Followed through with action
- For your own good and the good of others
- Desirable and challenging.
In goal achievement, there is no success or failure. There is only a result.
Success or failure is a label that only YOU can attach to the end result.
Dawn Campbell
Rainbow Promise
