This is the fourth in our series on the GROW method.

You’ve been through each of the steps in the GROW method. You’re almost done! Here’s how you can tackle the very last step: Will.  

(Psst! Forgot to read the first three articles? You’ll find them in our list of career guides! And if you don’t know what the GROW method is, you’ll find an article all about how the GROW method can help you in your career right here.) 

Here’s how you can steam through the last step and reap the rewards of the GROW method.

Select a goal you want to achieve

Return to your goals sheet from the first step in the method and select the one that you are most interested in accomplishing.

Write a strategic plan

A mind map is an excellent tool to write out a plan. We suggest that you compare your obstacles (from Step 3) to your goals (from Step 1).

Let’s say that your goal is to work three days in the office and the rest at home. Your related obstacles would be:

By listing your goals and obstacles in this way, you can weight your decisions and find out if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Seek advice from others

You’ve identified some goals, and you’ve found that the benefits to achieving those goals outweigh the drawbacks. It doesn’t stop there! We still recommend that you check you’ve made the right decisions with people you trust. Talk to your colleagues, your mentors, and people who have the experience you want already behind them.

To stay on the right track…

Now you’ve identified the goals that you’re going to tackle. You need the will to keep yourself going!

This part is so important because it’s not enough to know what you want. You need the perseverance to keep aiming for it, even when you’re set back.

Review your progress

Give yourself a full three months to tackle your goals. If you don’t see any progress within that time, this is the moment to review what you have done so far, what is preventing you from moving faster, and where you could focus your efforts.

If you have selected a difficult goal…

Give yourself smaller, simpler milestones to achieve along the way. There’s no shame in going for the lower-hanging fruit if it gives you the confidence again to tackle the bigger challenges.

If you’re just putting off the tasks that you don’t feel like doing…

Our top tip is to deal with them first thing in the morning. We learned this from Mark Twain, who famously said that if the first thing you do in the morning is eat a live frog, you can go through the rest of the day knowing the worst is behind you.

So, don’t be afraid to eat frogs for breakfast! (Metaphorically speaking)

Keep challenging yourself!

An enquiring mind is key to success. Ask for more responsibility wherever you can. Read about your subject, and stay informed with trade journals. We have found that the candidates we placed who were actively engaged went on to supersonic careers.

Iterating as you go will make a difference. Never stop asking questions, don’t wait for other people to give you responsibility, and give yourself regular appraisals as you continue to reach for your goals.

And once you’ve achieved them – it’s time to work on another GROW method!

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We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the GROW method. If you want us to run more articles that explore business methods, let us know! Send us an email or DM us on Instagram. We’d love to hear from you.