Coaching (2 of 4): DART Your Way to Achievement – ACT

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We’ve been looking at the acronym DART, and how to use it as a tool for achievement.

In my previous post, we talked about dreaming big. We learned that you have to get to a place of internal quiet and stillness so that you can see a clear picture of what you want to accomplish.

Now that you have taken the time to dream, it is time to turn your attention to the one thing that will make it all a reality: ACTION.

But before you jump out there and get started, let’s talk about another important prerequisite: creating an action plan.

I often use global positioning systems (GPS) as an analogy for planning. Most of us have this handy technology on our cell phones or in our cars. To use it effectively, you’ve got to have two very important pieces of information: where you are (current location) and where you are going (destination). When you plug this data into the system, it lays out a path that ultimately leads your goal.

That leads us to the first question you should ask yourself before you begin the action phase:

1. Do I have a roadmap?

The beauty of having a clear plan is that it gives you the ability to make all sort of important decisions. Do I attend this conference? Should I invest in that product? Should I hire this person? All these questions can be answered by measuring the opportunities against the overall plan of action. The plan that you create should also be tailored to suit your unique needs. This is where having a coach or consultant in your corner can make the difference. He or she can ask the challenging questions that need answers, and help you focus on the appropriate course.

So ask your self:

2. Do I have support?

You will likely need outside support to create your roadmap, but you will definitely need support to follow it. You need to have on your team someone to provide you with what I call ETA: encouragement, troubleshooting and accountability. Encouragement for when times are hard, but also when things are going well. This helps counteract both discouragement and complacency. Troubleshooting to help you figure out what is working and what is not – and why. Accountability to keep you honest.

3. Am I committed to the journey?

A wise man once said, “Don’t begin until you count the cost.” A skilled builder will not begin a construction project without first calculating the cost to see if there are enough resources to finish it. This is true about your journey. Do you have what it takes to finish?

Once you have decided to take action and you have created your action plan, there should be no turning back. You can make corrections; you should make adjustments, but there should be no retreat.

It may take time, but the journey is as much a part of the process, and just as significant as arriving at the destination.

Enjoy the ride.