I find in the world of leadership training, counselling and pastoral work people constantly telling me what they should be doing, yet I notice they aren’t doing it.

This was highlighted for me recently when I was working with about 15 Financial Planners on developing team skills. I asked this group how many of them actually had a financial plan for the next 10 years of their life. 2 in the room said they did. I then asked them how many had a budget that worked to. Only 1 did. I asked if anyone had a 3-5 year goal, and 5 out of the 15 acknowledge they did.

I was amazed that this room of high level financial planners who all stated they believed it was very important to have a financial goal, on the most part did not have one themselves.

Many people want to make the best if their life, they want to make a difference, but don’t have a plan to do so. They then hit “mid-life” and wonder what they have done with their life as they realise retirement is only a short distance away (though with ongoing governed changes none of us will reach retirement as they keep pushing the age higher!).

Statistics tell us that of all those who read this article around 5% will actually follow through and make a change. So to the 5% let me share with you some simple steps to get your life on track to fulfil your purpose. I encourage you to adopt the GROWmethod.

G is for Goal

What goals do you want to achieve? What would you like to do with your life that is impacting? Maybe it is run your own business, or be CEO of another. Maybe it is to work with those less fortunate than yourself, or be a minister or chaplain. Maybe you have a sporting goal, or a holiday goal.  What is your life goal? Be as specific as you can. Take time out to make sure you really want to achieve the goal, and know why you want to do it. Knowing why will keep you motivated through the tough times. When you know – write it down as clearly as possible.

R is for Reality

The reality is where you are right now. Maybe you have a weight loss goal. Identify honestly what you weigh now. Where are you at compared to your goal. What do you have or don’t have in regards to where you are aiming for? Take stock of your life and identify where you currently are on the road to achieving your life’s purpose.

O is for Options

When you know what your goal is, and have identified where you are, what options are available for you to close the gap between your Goals and Reality? What steps can you take to achieve your goals. Put this into a series of SMART Goals (see blog on SMART Goals coming up next). What do you need to change to achieve your goals? Who in your world can assist you? Put together a realistic plan with realistic time frames around them – steps to achieving your goal starting from where you are.

W is for Will

Do you have the will to take action? Do you gave the desire to put in the work to achieve what is your purpose in life. If not, then why not? Is it because you don’t believe in the goal? If so then reassess the goal. Does it look to hard? Maybe you can break it into smaller steps over a longer period to make it a bit easier. I once had a goal to play the guitar, but realised when I mapped it out I didn’t have the will to pay the price of practicing every day. I liked the idea of playing the guitar, but didn’t want to pay the price. Do you have the will? If not, is it because it is not really your goal, or is there something blocking you. Identify the blockage, and make a plan to overcome it. You can do it!

When God made you, He made you with a plan and purpose. He made you awesome. He describes you as Wonderfully Made! Don’t settle for anything less than being all you were made to be!