Page 30 - Hard Goals

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Heartfelt

henever I talk to somebody about his or her goals—
Wwhether that person is trying to change the world, grow
a company, or lose a few pounds—one of the fi rst questions I
ask is, “Why do you care about this goal?” (Don’t worry, I’m
not without some social graces; we actually have a conversation
fi rst.)
Some people look me right in the eye and say, “It doesn’t
mean anything to me. It’s my boss/spouse/doctor and so forth
who cares.” I’ve lost count of the number of CEOs who’ve
answered with, “Well, it’s our Chairman who really feels this
goal is important. . . .” And how many kids, when asked the
same question, would answer, “It has nothing to do with me.
I’m only doing it because my parents are making me”?
“Why do you care about this goal?” It’s a simple question,
and a frighteningly accurate way to predict whether or not some-

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