“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”
-Erich Fromm
There’s something scary about setting goals. They represent exciting possibilities, but also represent an opportunity for failure if our goals go unmet. Often there may also a part of us that is afraid we will succeed. It’s easy to get comfortable with our present situation, even if it is unpleasant when the other side is “unknown”.
There are ways to stack the deck toward less fear and greater accomplishment when setting goals. Here’s the process I am using today as I generate my own goals for the next planning period:
1. Know what you want. Be specific, practical and time –oriented Spend some time examining your values. What do you want to be, own, do, feel, learn and earn? Who do you want to spend time with and where would you like to go? What are goals that you accomplish regularly and want to keep as part of your ongoing plan? I like a 90 day planning cycle because that is also a business quarter and easy to track. You may prefer 30 or 60 days and that’s fine too. Before deciding your goals, take a look at what is already on the calendar and the commitments you already have in the coming weeks. What goals make sense for you to set for yourself? What resources will you need? Identify any time-planning roadblocks that may thwart your success too. Better to be prepared than blindsided so you can plan around the bumps.
2. Schedule your deadlines for balance and so they don’t all hit at once. Realize that some goals will be easily accomplished and some will be ongoing. Set each completion date deliberately in a way that facilitates success and helps you balance the other things going on in your life. For example, you may have a huge project due the last week of the month. To maintain your strength during this stressful time, you might also set a goal of attending a yoga class, or getting to the gym that same week.
3. Set plenty of goals for more opportunities to win My planning process sets 3 goals in each of 8 key areas 1. Business/Career 2. Relationships 3. Financial/Money 4. Fun 5. Personal 6. Health & Fitness 7. Contribution and 8. Spirituality. By addressing the totality of your life, odds are you’ll succeed even if some goals are not accomplished. You’ll also find your life will be in better balance overall. It’s a numbers game, so set plenty of goals knowing you are a winner even if you don’t hit 100%.
4. Know the “why” behind your goals and share your excitement Don’t just write down your goals, also write down the reason they are there so you can truly feel the positive emotions around them. Get excited about your goals, then find a positive person (or a group) who believes in you and who would also like some support for their own goals. Spend some time sharing your goals, set up calls or meetings to touch base at regular intervals and offer encouragement. Allow this safe support system to help you celebrate your success and move you further toward your dreams.
5. Allow room for new goals as life shifts Sometimes there is a bigger plan at work for us, and we may not anticipate all that can and will happen in our planning period. Maintain a flexible attitude. A crisis or emergency may arise. For example, someone in your family might get sick and need you to care for them. Rather than throwing out all the goals, adjust your plan to accommodate the situation and to also ensure that your life stays in balance. You’ve heard “life happens” – so forgive yourself before it happens and know you have the freedom to change course.
6. Post Your Goals as a Visual Reminder Display your goals where you can see them – ideally in your regular workspace. If you share a space or don’t feel supported by others who may see them, then tuck them away where you have easy regular access. Take time to look at them daily. As you complete goals, use a colored highlighter to cross off your accomplishments so you have a visual reminder of your success. Save your goal sheets so that you can fully appreciate all that you have accomplished at year end.
7. Enjoy the Reward of Celebration! You’ve worked hard. Make sure you have built in a little time to celebrate your accomplishments. In case you didn’t notice, that’s what the FUN category is all about. Choose healthy and meaningful ways to acknowledge your growth. Celebrate with people who care about you and have helped you reach your goals. Take a little time to recharge and reflect too. What have you learned? How have you grown? What would you do differently? Take note and share your wisdom to help others.
I wish you success in your planning process. I hope you find joy in the process too. If anyone needs support setting goals and finding clarity, feel free to contact me. I enjoy helping others see the value they bring to the world and the possibilities the future holds for them. You’ll be celebrating before you know it.
