Very Important Pursuits are Active, Inspiring, Meaningful, Solutions. To truly focus on what matters most requires thoughtful choices. “We make our choices, then our choices make us.”
What are VIP AIMs?
If you are familiar with the Time Management Matrix for setting priorities, VIP AIMs fall into the Important but not Urgent quadrant. They are often the things that matter most, that unfortunately can easily be neglected when we are distracted by the unimportant.
• Values
• Increase well-being
• Pursue purpose
• Active
• Inspiring
• Meaningful
• Solutions
↳ Follow the VALUES that are your guiding principles [see map your values]
• Variable personal values
• Always point the way
• Lead to what matters
• Unchanging core values
• Express authentic self
• Strengths of character
↳ Increase well-being with 12 practices that create positive shift [see the Positive Shift Happens Toolkit]
SEARCH for connection with others [Don’t Wait, Relate]
• Sharing
• Emotional intelligence
• Authentic connection
• Relationship building
• Communication
• Helping others
↳ Pursue purpose by AIMing for a vision that is Active, Inspiring, and Meaningful [see purpose planning]
• Awareness
• Spirituality
• Plan goals
• Inspire flow
• Renew energy
• Expand growth
↳ Active pursuits to AIM for a vision [see Create a Vision Board] are:
• Doable actions
• Repeatable
• Effective
• Achievable
• Make a BIG impact
• Sustainable
↳ Inspiring pursuits [see Press Play for an Appealing Brand Message] are often:
• Surprising
• Emotional
• Amusing
• Rare
• Clear
• Helpful
↳ Meaningful Pursuits [see Setting Priorities] are:
• Relevant
• Actually advancing progress
• Making a major difference
• Producing real results
• Significant
↳ SUCCESSful Solutions [Goal Skills – Problem Solving]:
• Solve problems
• Useful
• Clear measures
• Create change
• Engage interest
• Smart
• Simple
Choose Objectives and Key Results (OKRs – see Learn About Goals for more information)
Objectives are shorter term goals designed to reach longer term goals that aim for a vision and mission. Objectives are tied to Key Results, the metrics that measure progress toward the objective. To choose objectives for VIP AIMS, ask: “What is the desired outcome, and how can it be achieved?” and “What is the most significant thing that can be done?”
Google’s central VIP AIM:
• Vision- to provide access to the world’s information in one click.
• Mission- to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible.
↳ Goal 1. Google calendar for smart scheduling ↳ Goal 2. Google drive for quick access ↳ Goal 3. Google chrome for accurate internet search.
A central AIM may be general, but the goals to reach them must result in objectives that target actions that are specific and measurable. The key results show if the objective is being reached. An example of an OKR for Google Chrome: Build the best web browser as measured by numbers of users.
↳ Goal 3. Google chrome for accurate internet search.
• Objective: build the best web browser
↳ Key Result: measured by # of users
Measurable Key Results
Choose key results that are measurable to know if progress is being made toward an outcome. Ask “How will I know that this outcome has been achieved?”
• Metrics
• Explain how many or much
• Add check marks to a chart
• Steps to completion
• Use numbers
• Rating scales
• Examples
See more at How to Make Goals Specific and Measurable.
• Meet outcomes
• Explain evidence of accomplishments
• Target key drivers of change
• Reveal results
• Include sensory descriptions
• Contain clear and simple language
Read more about OKRs below, and don’t miss the TED talk from John Doerr at Learn About Goals.
- OKRs for Personal Goals and Output vs Outcome at What Matters Most
- Example business OKRs from weekdone
Download the Annual Review and VIPAIMS outline.
With goals set, use the Planner Checklist to use your time well and act on the most important priorities.
I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.
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