Preparing for Transition
Articulating Goals and a Vision Using the GROW Model
Today I’m sharing an excerpt from my guidebook Thriving in Transition: a Practical Guide for Living a Purpose Filled Life at Any Stage, a timely share for graduation season.
“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”
-Oprah
Preparing for a period of transition can be intimidating. There is often much anxiety-inducing uncertainty about what lies ahead. However, if one approaches the period of change methodically, breaking down the process into manageable chunks, and employing popular and time-tested tools like the GROW model, that path forward can be a smooth one.
The GROW Model:
GROW Your Way Forward
“No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.” - John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy had uttered these words in what is known as the “Peace” speech, given at the height of the Cold War just months after he successfully guided our nation through the Cuban missile crisis.
The optimism that Kennedy conveys has been a core element of American political culture for generations, ever since 13 colonies, against all odds, successfully took on the British empire to achieve independence.
Americans have continued to be drawn to optimistic storylines, whether it’s Horatio Alger’s “From Rags to Riches” or Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky”.
Kennedy’s message is enduring not only because it engenders civic engagement, empowerment, and the confidence needed to tackle global issues but because it also resonates on a personal level.
Kennedy’s words are a source of inspiration to the average person, a reminder to act bravely and confidently when confronted with personal difficulties.
You can rise to the challenge. You can GROW.
The GROW model, developed in the late 1980s by Alan Fine, Graham Alexander, and Sir John Whitmore, is frequently utilized by life coaches, as they assist clients in establishing goals and overcoming problems. The GROW model can be used to break free from life’s ruts and move closer to fulfilling goals and dreams (Whitmore, 2017).
What does GROW stand for?
GROW is an acronym for Goals, Reality, Opportunities/Options, and Will.
Goals - At each stage of life, individuals need to be able to articulate their goals. What is it that you’d like to achieve? How is this goal important to you? How committed are you to achieving this goal? Are you sufficiently motivated? These are just a sampling of questions that need to be considered when formulating goals. A stated goal rings hollow without introspection. Individuals need to be aware and appreciative of the goal’s value in relation to their life’s journey.
Reality - What is your life like in reality? How close or far are you from achieving your stated goals? How does this reality make you feel? What barriers or obstacles have kept you from achieving your goals? These questions must be explored before you can examine your options.
Opportunities and Options - Once the obstacles and barriers are identified, you can move on to identifying ways to overcome them. Are there opportunities that exist that haven’t been explored? What are your options? Not sure. Brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm.
Will/ Finding a Way Forward - Once the opportunities and options are determined, you must choose a course of action. What small first step can you take to find a way forward? Developing and implementing an action plan is critical at this stage. Following the SMART goal model will help you stay the course. The acronym SMART emphasizes that goals and the corresponding actions must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (Doran, 1981) . To increase the likelihood that a plan of action is successfully implemented, a plan for accountability should also be developed. Having someone in your life who is aware of your goals and action plan - a friend, partner, spouse, family member, or mentor/advisor - will help you succeed.
While the GROW model and SMART goals are useful in paving a clear path and smoothing out life’s ruts, the most important element in the realization of goals is the individual.
President Kennedy expressed confidence in the human potential to solve the world’s problems.
The same is true of an individual’s potential and her desire to achieve her goals and dreams. The individual that may be stuck at the moment, must show herself grace, believe in her potential, and continue to forge a way forward.
“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” -James N Watkins
Ultimately, the individual is the expert of his/her own life.
Application of GROW Model
As you prepare for a period of transition, it’s important to articulate goals to aspire to in life’s next chapter. Having clearly stated goals is critical to ensuring a purpose filled life.
Identify 3 goals you’d like to achieve.
For each goal identified, answer the following questions:
How is each goal important to you?
How is each goal of value?
What is your current reality? How close or far are you from achieving each goal? (0-10, with 0 being far and 10 being attained)
What will your life look like when each goal is achieved?
How motivated are you to achieve each goal? (0-10)
How can your motivation be improved?
What obstacles are you likely to face?
What opportunities are available to you?
How committed are you to achieving each goal? (0-10)
Brainstorm small first-steps that you can take towards goal attainment (SMART goals - specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely).
Activity: Create a Vision Board of what your life will look like once your goal is attained.
For more, check out my guidebook Thriving in Transition: A Practical Guide for Living a Purpose Filled Life at Any Stage.
Works Cited
Doran, G.T. (1981). There’s a SMART way to write management’s goals and objectives. Journal
of Management Review, 70, 35-36.
Whitmore, J. (2017). Coaching for performance. 5th Edition ed. London: Nicholas Brealy
Publishing.