Based on an article published by Shane Parrish titled, "The Difference Between Amateurs and Professionals,” I'm reflecting on some of his key points with today's discussion on: 

"Amateurs have a goal. Professionals have a process."

Goals are good; we all should have them. In fact, you've probably heard of setting SMART goals:

• S-pecific: What? Where? When?
• M-easurable: Can I track progress?
• A-chievable: Can I accomplish this in the time frame I’ve set?
• R-elevant: Is it important or world-changing?
• T-ime-bound: Will I know when it’s done?

And I agree. And the more defined your goals are the more you probably will accomplish. Well, maybe. It all depends on whether you're an amateur or a professional. Amateurs can get easily excited about setting goals and setting out to conquer the world through them. But if they don't have a systematic plan in place to achieve them, it's typically all hot air. 

Professionals have a process, a system, an intentional structure in place to accomplish their goals. It's why James Clear, in his book—Atomic Habits—stated that, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Your goal is your desired outcome. Your system is the collection of daily habits that will get you there. This year, spend less time focusing on outcomes and more time focusing on the habits that precede the results.” 

I currently have a SMART goal to release a 4-part series on the Serving Leadership Journey with my good friend, Fred Waggoner. It's a monumental goal I'm planning to accomplish over the next four years. And the only way to accomplish it is through a process of writing, reviewing, editing, accountability, and deadlines.

So do you have a plan in place to achieve your goals? If so, who is keeping you accountable? If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.