The MIQ Goal Setting Framework
In this blog post, I'll pull back the curtain on a goal-setting framework that's been a bit of a secret sauce, usually reserved for my clients. See, a lot of people set goals from the logical side of their brains, from their thinking mind. They go after things like making more money without digging into the deeper "why" behind it. But, what if I told you that understanding your end goal, your deepest desires, and feelings, could significantly increase the chances of turning those dreams into reality? In this journey of self-discovery, I’m going to walk you through a unique approach, one that includes audacious goals, and dreams that might seem impossible, because, believe it or not, they're the turbo boost for personal growth.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty…
Let's talk about why it's crucial to let your goals scare you a little and excite you a lot. Because, as Joe Vitale of Google wisely said, a goal should do just that.
Go ahead and dream big – like, really big! Make half of your goals the kind that sound so crazy, they might seem impossible. The trick here is to give yourself a good stretch. When your goals are audacious, they become the turbo boost for personal growth and taking life by the horns. They're like that kick in the pants that gets you reaching for the stars. Even if you don't hit every crazy goal, just reaching for them pumps up your motivation and sparks creativity. It's not just about checking things off a list; it's about embracing the wild journey of going after stuff that seems out of reach. So, don't hold back – let those audacious goals be the spark that turns "impossible" into "I'm possible."
The MIQ Goal-Setting Framework
Welcome to a transformative exploration of your future – made possible by asking the 3 Most Important Questions.
1. What do you want to experience?
Envisioning the future is the first step towards creating a life filled with joy and fulfillment. In this first dimension of goal-setting, consider every facet of your desires and experiences. This section is a canvas for painting a vivid picture of the experiences that would bring ultimate fulfillment.
Write down everything that you could dream of doing or having that would make you feel happy, in 5 years time:
Think about any experience that you wish to have in this lifetime. Consider your love life, your relationships, and your sexuality.
Think about what experiences you’d like to have with your friends and family.
What would you like your social life to look like?
Assume you have unlimited access to funds. What type of car would you want to drive?
What type of home would you want to live in? Are there any other things you dream of having in your life?
What places do you want to travel to?
What activities, hobbies, or sports would you love to explore?
2. How do you want to grow?
Growth is an inherent part of the human experience, and deliberate self-development is a key aspect of a purposeful life. In this part of goal-setting, delve into the ways you want to evolve as an individual.
What is the self-growth you need to achieve these goals?
Let’s say one of your” Experience Goals” is that you want to travel extensively. Discover a whole continent for a few months. What’s a piece of self-growth work that’s tied into that goal? Maybe it’s leaving the constraints of your 9-5 job and working on the courage to do so. It could also mean connecting with others who have done the same and learning from their experiences.
Jot down anything you’d like to develop in your life:
How would you like to develop yourself? Think about your intellectual life, for instance.
What skills would you like to obtain?
How do you want to deal with stressful events in your life?
What languages would you want to master?
What character traits do you admire in others, and which would you like to master?
How do you want to show up in social situations?
What are your health and fitness goals?
How long would you like to live?
How would you like to feel, and what would you like to be able to do in your old age?
Is there a particular aspect of your spiritual life that you’d like to dive deeper into?
3. How do you want to contribute?
As Vishen puts it, no matter how shitty your life might be, giving back is one of the surest ways to happiness. So lastly, think about all the various ways you want to contribute to the world. No matter how big or small your ideas, write down everything that comes to you:
How could you contribute to your family, friends, society, city, or even the entire planet?
What will be your legacy?
How will you make the world a slightly better place?
Which problem would you like to solve for the planet and humanity?
It could be volunteering or giving your time to specific people. It could be a particular work you’d like to create. Anything you can think of that would benefit others and our world.
Download my MIQ Framework Template here.
Here is an example of the MIQ Framework to give you an idea:
As we wrap up, I want to leave you with a crucial piece of advice: give it time to sink in. Once you've spilled your dreams onto paper, resist the urge to charge forward. Give it a week, and let those goals marinate. Your dreams need time to settle, to percolate, and to become a part of you. In that downtime, you'll find clarity bubbling to the surface, ready to guide you on the next steps of your journey.
Inspired by Mindvalley’s Founder & Owner Vishen Lakhiani - 3 most important questions.