Everyone sets goals; some goals can be related to our financial situation, our relationships, our health and well-being, or our career... perhaps to become a professional singer. Television shows, such as the Australian Idol, provide an avenue where some people's goals will be achieved

The 6th season of Australian Idol is underway... last week I watched some of the auditions and saw thousands of "eager hopefuls" lining up outside the audition venue in each Australian State.

Each one of these "eager hopefuls" had one goal in common... to be selected to appear on the finals of Australian Idol.

As I was watching the performers I saw a clear demonstration of two essential characteristics you must possess in order to achieve your goals:

Confidence: your belief in your ability to do something

Competence: your ability, skills, knowledge to do something.

As the artists auditioned in front of the judges (a daunting experience for many!), it was so clear how very different confidence and competence were! People generally fell into 3 major groups of competence and confidence.

1) this group demonstrated strong (and in some cases totally unjustified) confidence in their ability to sing. There was nothing wrong with their confidence but they clearly lacked competence -- in other words, they had no ability to sing. Several were devastated when told they would not go any further and found it difficult to comprehend the judges' inability to recognise their talent.

2) this group demonstrated high competence and yet lacked confidence in their ability to sing -- they were nervous prior to performing and shocked when selected to appear in the top 100. The people in this group obviously had some degree of confidence to actually show up on the day... but few expected to progress to the top 100. Although their goal of having a singing career was important for them, they relied on others (in this case, the judges) to confirm how talented they were.

If people have the ability yet lack the confidence to take action to use their ability, often they remain stuck and seldom achieve their goals or dreams.

3) the smallest group demonstrated high competence and healthy confidence. They approached the judges in a relaxed manner, were confident in their ability to "deliver the goods", and were appreciative the judges also recognised their talent enough to put them through to the top 100.

In achieving your goals it is imperative to have the competence to do so... in other words, you need to develop the necessary skills and knowledge so you have the ability to "deliver the goods". It is also imperative to have the confidence to take action on your ability, in other words have the confidence to do what is necessary, to do what you know, to use your talent and your skills to the best of your ability.

Although I'm not an advocate of reality TV shows I do appreciate the numerous examples they provide on goal setting and successfully achieving goals.

It's important to remember that both confidence and competence can be developed... and when you have high level of competence in a particular area and strong confidence to act on your ability... you can succeed in any area you choose!