Unstoppable Success: The Secret to Courageous Goal-Setting
Are you among the 80% who feel crushed under the weight of New Year's resolutions gone astray? We've all been there – charged with resolve as the clock strikes midnight, only to wade back into familiar waters of unfulfilled aspirations. Today, we break the cycle.
Let's start by acknowledging a surprising fact: 80% of New Year's resolutions end up failing. However, there is still hope. Some people manage to turn their aspirations into actual accomplishments. Today, we are not just talking about resolutions; we are creating a plan to become part of that successful group.
My recent accomplishment with my book 'Unstoppable Grit' reaching bestseller status isn't just my victory; it's a testament to the principles we champion here. It's proof that with the right mindset and tools, skies aren't just the limit—they're our playground.
Let's delve into the art of manifesting your aspirations with the courageous COBO goal-setting framework, creating a vision board, and choosing a word for 2024.
The Courageous COBO Framework: Your Blueprint for Setting and Achieving Goals
In a world where ambition drives us, and success defines us, it's crucial to set goals that not only challenge us but also inspire us to become better versions of ourselves. That's where the COBO framework comes into play, acting as a beacon to guide us through the murky waters of personal and professional development. COBO, standing for Courageous Goals, Objective Steps, Benchmarks, and Opportunities, is a comprehensive approach to goal-setting that empowers individuals to push beyond their comfort zones and embrace growth.
1. Setting Courageous Goals
Imagine a goal that makes your heart race – that's a courageous goal. It's something that stretches you beyond your comfort zone, demanding more than you've given before. My journey as a bestselling author began with such a goal: writing a book. The fear of judgment and vulnerability was real, but so was my resolve to share relatable stories and valuable lessons from my life.
Research in the Journal for Experimental Psychology underscores the importance of emotionally engaging goals. Being specific in your goal setting is crucial. It’s not enough to say, "I want to be successful"; it's about defining what success means to you in vivid, actionable terms.
C is for courageous: Challenge yourself. What's your brave goal? Maybe you aspire to start a new business, advance to a higher position, or achieve top sales performance and maximize your compensation plan.
2. Objective Steps to Realize Your Goals
Turning your dreams into reality requires a concrete plan. Break down your ambitious goal into smaller, manageable objectives. For instance, if you aim for a promotion, this could involve weekly mentor meetings or skill enhancement through online courses. When I began writing my book, it involved outlining, regular sessions with an editor, and dedicated daily writing.
The key is to prepare meticulously for each step. Set specific deadlines, read relevant literature, and engage in courses that propel you toward your goal.
O for Objective: Detail your plan. How will you bring this business to life? Draft that business plan. If your goal is to promote to a new role, what skills will you learn? Enroll in courses or seek out a mentor. If you want to finish as the top sales performer, analyze your business and build a plan.
3. Benchmarking Your Progress
Benchmarks are your milestones on the journey. They create a sense of urgency and provide opportunities to celebrate small victories, boosting motivation.
When setting goals, it's important to establish measurable milestones in order to track progress. For instance, if your goal is to launch a business, it's helpful to set dates for each phase of your business plan. You can also download a free Business Starter Checklist (Click here) for additional support. If your objective is to secure a promotion, scheduling recurring meetings with your mentor can be a useful strategy. If you're aiming to become a top sales performer, dividing your quota into monthly, weekly, and daily goals can help you track your progress effectively.
4. Opportunities Await
Upon laying a solid foundation, it's time to envision the plethora of opportunities that await. Visualize the success – be it landing your dream job or seeing your business thrive. Think of the lifestyle changes this success will bring.
O for Opportunities: Envision the doors your goal will open. Imagine the freedom and fulfillment your successful business will bring.
Change and Adapting Goals
Remember, it's okay to adapt your goals as life evolves. Changing circumstances might lead you to tweak your path or even set new goals altogether. It's about being responsive to your inner callings and the external shifts in your environment.
Celebrating Your Achievements
Finally, celebrate your wins, big or small. This act of acknowledgment releases endorphins and dopamine, enhancing your motivation. Reflect on your journey, savor the victories, and share your success stories. It's not just about reaching the destination; it's about valuing the journey that got you there.
The COBO framework isn't just a method; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. It's about setting goals that challenge you, taking objective steps to achieve them, marking your progress with benchmarks, and embracing the opportunities that come your way. Change is a part of this journey, and adapting your goals is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
As you embark on this journey, remember to celebrate every achievement. Your success story isn't just about you; it inspires others to follow their dreams. Set those courageous goals, and let the COBO framework guide you to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
Download your Free Courageous Goal-Setting Guide: Click Here
Create a Vision Board
Your dreams need a visual voice. A vision board isn't just a collage; it embodies your aspirations. It serves as a daily reminder of where you're headed. Include images and words that resonate with your deepest ambitions, be it professional success, personal well-being, or spiritual growth.
But there's more—a potent yet simple concept: Choosing one word.
Choose One Word for the Year:
Inspired by Jon Gordon's wisdom, identify a word that encapsulates your vision for the year. This word should be your guiding star, aligning your actions with your core intentions.
For 2024, my word is 'Intention.' This transcends mere planning; it's about consciously curating your life experiences. Living with intention is the antidote to burnout and the key to meaningful success.
Here are ten ways to embrace intentionality:
Prioritize Family Time: Your loved ones are your bedrock. Cherish and nurture these relationships.
Create Joyful Anticipations: Keep your spirit uplifted by always having something exciting on the horizon.
Establish Clear Boundaries: Balance is vital. Know when to work, rest, and rejuvenate.
Choose Your Company Wisely: Your circle influences your trajectory. Surround yourself with positivity.
Begin with Top Three Priorities: Start each day by focusing on three key goals to maintain a sense of accomplishment and direction.
Practice Mindfulness: Stay present; it's where life's magic unfolds.
Cultivate Gratitude: Embrace an attitude of gratitude. It transforms your perspective.
Pursue a Hobby or Passion: Allocate time for what lights your soul on fire.
Regular Exercise: Invest in your physical well-being; it's integral to your overall success.
Reflect and Adjust: End each day with introspection. It's vital for growth and alignment.
In 2024, let's not just chase goals; let's set courageous goals, envision our goals, and live with purposeful intention. Remember, you're not here to merely exist; you're here to thrive, to make an indelible mark on the world. Stay gritty, intentional, and unstoppable.
Your journey to unstoppable success continues with each step you take.
Meet the Author: 🌟 Danielle Cobo, CVP
Danielle Cobo is an international female speaker for organizations, associations, and the public sector. She works with audiences to ignite transformation to lead with grit and resilience.
With over 15 years of corporate experience in the medical sales industry, she knows how to build high-performing teams that increase sales, productivity, and employee retention. Her expertise includes corporate resilience and heart-centered leadership.
Danielle is the best-selling author of Unstoppable Grit: Break Through the 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals and hosts the globally top-rated podcast, Unstoppable Grit Podcast with Danielle Cobo.
As a former Fortune 500 Senior Sales Manager, she propelled her team to the number one national ranking, even amid the upheaval of downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions. Her commendable leadership earned her the prestigious title of Region Manager of the Year. Her resiliency motivated her to earn four consecutive national Sales Excellence Awards in a male-dominated industry.
When her husband, a Blackhawk pilot in the Army, was deployed in Iraq for a year, Danielle learned to balance a demanding job while keeping up with her dynamic duo of 1.5-year-old twin boys, who possess more energy than a squirrel after a triple espresso.
Today, she channels her expertise into her passionate mission: igniting transformation in others and helping them develop the grit and resilience to succeed professionally and personally.
Her tenacious attitude stems from being raised by an ambitious mother and recovering from being taken from her father and cast out at 17 years of age.
From a 7-year-old entrepreneur to a two-time 3-day 60-mile walker—she defines relentless ambition.
A sought-after speaker, Danielle's captivating storytelling and content-rich and motivational style empowers audiences to cultivate unwavering resilience, igniting a transformation for thriving in today’s demanding work environment.
Danielle has a bachelor’s in communication with a minor in psychology from the California State University, Fullerton , Certification in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, and accreditation in DiSC Human Behavior from Personality Insights. Inc., and Leadership from Boston Breakthrough Academy.
Are You Ready to Unlock the Full Potential of Your Team with a high-content speaker, with a motivational style?
Contact Danielle Cobo today to discuss making a difference in your business Click Here
