Get the support you need

Getting others to connect with and help with your goals can be tough. The tough things are usually the things we need to do to be successful. You have to share your goals with others to be successful. There is a good way to share your goals. First, you have to believe in your goals and second, communicate it effectively. Do you feel prepared to share your goals in such a way to get buy-in from your friends, family, coworkers or others? 

We can look at a simple example to why this is important. Imagine yourself preparing for dinner with friends and dreading the event because you will feel pressure to eat or drink outside your diet. This shouldn’t be a dreadful process as your friends should support you in your goals. But how would they know if you haven’t shared your goals with them? Depending on your level of friendship, a simple mention of your goal would suffice or you may have to go into depth about why you are pursuing such a goal. 

If we take this scenario a little bit further then we can see how much value you get from connecting your goals to others outside your close circles. Instead of your friends, now you are headed to an outing with business associates. The communication may get harder but the reward is just as great. A clear and compelling translation of your goals can help build rapport and respect with coworkers, customers and many others. 

Here is how to effectively share your goals: 

1. Know your reasons. Why have you set your goals? Commitment and purpose go a long way to building respect from people. Remember why your goal is important as you prepare to tell others about it. 

2. Be precise with your plan. “Eating less calories” is less convincing than “I only have 400 more calories in my budget today.” Vagueness can make you seem uncommitted or unprepared. It is easier to convince others if you are exact in your plan and the steps to accomplishment. 

3. Connect your why and how with a story. People love stories. You can take people from unfamiliarity to support by sharing even a simple story with them. The story doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Think back to the point at which you decided to set your goal, why was that? You can take that occasion, those feelings and the commitment you felt and turn them into a story. 

4. Ask for support. This is the hardest and most critical and often missed part. Most people want to help others. And people are more than willing to help if they know why and how they can help, but you have to present it to them before they can help.  

Use these tips to share your goals and get people on your side. Showing your commitment and asking for the commitment of others will help you achieve goals without added stress. Most people will not intentionally sabatoge your goals but they may not know what your goals are or how you are planning to achieve them. Tell your friends, family, coworkers and others a story about your goal and you might just be amazed at the help you get.