THE EFFECTIVE PROBLEMSOLVER # 074
Over the last 3 years, I’ve had numerous conversations and coaching calls with changemakers who struggle to achieve their desired impact.
And although everyone’s journey is a bit different, there are some themes worth sharing.
And one of them is simple:
Choosing a goal and strategy that is way beyond your limited means.
In our quest to make a difference, it’s easy to get swept up in the enormity of the issues we face.
Whether it’s poverty, climate change, or education reform, the problems are vast and complex.
But here’s a hard truth: biting off more than you can chew won’t lead to success.
Instead, it can result in frustration, burnout, and ultimately, a failure to make any meaningful impact.
So, how do you set realistic goals that align with your tight budget?
It’s as easy as asking 3 questions that push you to take a close, honest look at your resources and constraints.
3 questions to assess your capacity to affect the problem
#1. Can we realistically expect to achieve the objective given our budget?
Money isn’t everything, but it sure does help.
If your budget is limited, it’s crucial to scale your objectives accordingly.
Since it’s super unlikely that you can solve a multi-billion-dollar problem with a few thousand dollars and a part-time intern, don’t try.
Be realistic about what your financial resources can accomplish and set your goals within those limits.
#2. Do we have the necessary expertise?
Expertise is a powerful asset. Without the right knowledge and skills, even the most well-funded initiatives can flounder.
Evaluate your team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Rather than trying to do everything, or telling others what to do, focus on playing your own role really well.
If you lack comprehensive knowledge about all aspects of the problem, consider narrowing your focus to areas where you are strongest or seek out partnerships and collaborations to fill the gaps.
#3. What are our commitments to other issues and problems?
Your time and energy are finite.
Spreading yourself too thin across multiple initiatives can dilute your impact.
I still see way too many professionals in the social sector jumping from Zoom call to Zoom call, not giving complex problems and the stakeholders involved the sustained attention they deserve.
Busyness doesn’t often translate into effectiveness.
What does work is prioritizing your efforts on a limited number of issues where you can make the most significant difference given other commitments.
Remember, resolving endemic social issues is an ultramarathon, not a collection of random sprints. It’s about sustained effort over time, not quick fixes.
Reconsider your approach
The reality is that you won’t “solve poverty” or any other systemic problem in just 24 months.
If achieving your objective seems unlikely given your constraints, it’s time to reconsider your approach. This doesn’t mean giving up; it means being strategic about where and how you apply your efforts.
Consider scaling back your goals or breaking them into more manageable pieces. Focus on specific, achievable outcomes that contribute to the larger goal.
For instance, rather than aiming to eradicate poverty in a city, target increasing employment opportunities in a single neighborhood.
These smaller victories can build momentum and lead to broader change over time.
Alternatively, assess different parts of the problem where your impact might be more significant.
If direct intervention isn’t feasible, perhaps advocacy, education, or policy change is where you can shine.
The key is to match your strategy with your budget.
Checklist for Setting Realistic Goals and Strategies
As you embark on your journey to make a difference, keep these key points in mind to ensure your goals and strategies are both realistic and effective:
- Assess Your Resources:
- Budget: Align your goals with your financial capabilities. Be honest about what you can afford.
- Expertise: Leverage the strengths and skills of your team. Seek partnerships if necessary.
- Time: Be realistic about the time you can commit given other responsibilities and projects.
- Set Achievable Goals:
- Break Down Larger Problems: Focus on smaller, manageable pieces of a larger issue.
- Specific Outcomes: Define clear, measurable objectives to track your progress.
- Prioritize Your Efforts:
- Strategic Focus: Concentrate on areas where you can have the most impact.
- Avoid Overextension: Don’t spread yourself too thin across multiple initiatives.
- Adapt and Reassess:
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your goals and strategies as circumstances change.
- Regular Evaluation: Continuously assess your progress and make necessary adjustments.
- Celebrate Small Wins:
- Acknowledge Progress: Recognize and celebrate each achievement, no matter how small.
- Build Momentum: Use small victories to build confidence and motivation for larger goals.
By keeping this checklist in mind, you can navigate your changemaking journey with clarity and purpose.
Remember, impactful change doesn’t happen overnight, but with thoughtful planning and persistent effort, every step you take brings us closer to a better world.
Stay focused, stay flexible, and never underestimate the power of small budgets aligned to strategic actions.
See you in two weeks.
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Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you:
→ I’m a strategic advisor for the toughest societal problems like poverty, crime and homelessness. People come to me when they want to stop spinning their wheels and get transformative, systems-level change.
→ I’m a coach for emerging and executive leaders in the social and public sectors who want to make progress on their biggest goals and challenges.
Let’s find out how I can help you become transformational.