Learn the most effective way to set goals and achieve them with my go-to GROW model.
“Goal setting” is central to any coaching journey, but I find most people go about it the wrong way.
You can’t start by setting goals – you need to do a life audit (I recommend the Wheel of Life) and dig into your values and beliefs.
Once that important work is done, you can begin setting goals.
But make sure you do it in a way that will set you up for success.
How many times have you set yourself a goal and run out of steam, lost interest, or been tripped up by life?
The GROW model of goal setting minimises those risks so you are much more likely to get quick wins and ultimate success.
Use it for work and business goals, finance and growth goals, and – of course – for health and fitness goals.
Here’s exactly how I introduce my coaching clients to the GROW model. It was a game-changer for me, and I hope it helps you too.
What Is The GROW Model?
This way of setting goals works because it doesn’t allow you to set vague goals. It asks you to dig deep and challenge yourself.
With GROW, you can’t simply say “I want to lose 2 stone”.
GROW identifies the gap between your start point and the goal, looks at all the ways you could get there, and gets you to commit to small actions to get going.
It was developed in the 1980s by three leading business coaches, but has been used by sports teams, entrepreneurs, finance experts, families, and individuals.
GROW approaches goal setting like planning a journey.
You decide where you want to go, you look at where you are right now, then you look at the different routes you could take before identifying the best one for you and your vehicle.
Lastly, you prepare everything you need to make the journey as smooth and fuss-free as possible, then commit to get going in good time.
1.Goal (what do you want?)
2.Reality (where are you right now in regards to that goal?)
3.Options (what are all the options you have?)
4.Way forward (how can you start to move towards your goal?)
How To Use The GROW Model
Sit down with paper and pen, in a comfortable and quiet place. Choose a time when you feel motivated and focused.
Give yourself at least 30 minutes – an hour is even better. I’d love to know how you get on with this exercise.
If you hit any roadblocks or want to discuss your goals, get in touch. I’m here to help.
- Look back at your Wheel of Life (if you haven’t done this yet, CLICK HERE for my article and resources). Identify the segment where you want to set a goal.
- Have your values and habits in front of you (my article and guidance for this is here and here).
- Take time to work through the GROW questions below. There’s no right or wrong, just answer honestly and trust yourself.
The GROW Questions
GOAL
Write down your specific goal with dates, timeframes, and other measurables
When do you want to achieve this?
What will achieving this goal mean to you, how will it change your life?
REALITY
Where are you now in relation to your goal?
What is within your control?
What obstacles might you face?
Write down a time when you have achieved a similar goal?
OPTIONS
What could you do to move one step closer to your goal?
Add 3 more things.
What would your best friend advise you to do?
What would your role model tell you to do?
WAY FORWARD
Which of the options above feels right to you?
How will you do this (start with step one)?
When will you start?
How will you remember to do it?
What could stop you from doing this?
What would need to change to remove that barrier?
How committed are you to doing this (1-10)?
Please let me know how you found this powerful goal-setting tool, I’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, stay happy and stay healthy,
Coach Joseph Webb.
‘The number one rated Personal Trainer In Henley and Oxfordshire’
