2020 disappeared at a speed that quantum physics is yet unable to explain. Thank goodness I had a goal to achieve!
Let me start by saying I don’t do new year’s resolutions. I do, however, like to set goals that are practical, measurable, and achievable. I share them with others so I feel a sense of commitment. Last year a friend of mine established a goal to run at least 5km (3 miles) every other day. She had just gotten back into running after a “brief” 25 year absence and thought this would be a good challenge. She averaged 6.18km (3.8 miles) per run over 182 outings last year. A resulting benefit – she dropped 39 unneeded pounds. She also felt great, not just physically but mentally knowing she had exceeded her goal. What did it take? Some good running shoes, a heart rate monitor to make sure her 36 year old ticker didn’t stop ticking – that would sort of defeat the whole purpose, a supportive and encouraging husband, and lastly, the tenacity to run in sometimes challenging conditions – every second day.
So what about 2021? What about you? Have you set your goals?
Congratulations if you already have! You get extra kudos if you have committed them to paper. You get the first place big blue rosette if you have also shared them with others.
If you haven’t established your 2021 goals, get at it!
I offer three tricks to setting your goals.
1. Make them personal. Set your goals for you, not someone else.
2. Make them practical. They can be personal or work related, or both.
3. Share them with others. This helps you commit to your success.
Actually there is no magic to this exercise. Just ask yourself, “What do I really want to accomplish in 2021 before it turns into 2022?”
I work with Marketing professionals; their livelihoods depend on their ability to generate sales and recruit others. I still can’t believe the number of talented folks I speak with who have not taken the time to write down their goals, nor have they mapped out their supporting strategies to achieve their goals. I shudder to think how much more successful they would be if they set tangible goals, developed a plan to reach those goals, and shared their goals with their sales manager, a peer or their partner – or all three!
Goal Setting and View Then DAILY…
Mark Victor Hansen is co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and is truly an inspirational and humorous speaker. I was watching a YouTube video where Mark spoke about goal setting and I want to share one memorable suggestion he made. Mark had left small cards on the tables for us to complete. He asked the participants to write down one goal, the time frame for completion and then he asked them to have two or three others sign the card, not to agree or pass judgement on their goal, simply to acknowledge it. I have embraced this simple concept ever since, it really helps!
My last recommendation is to keep your goals visible. They do you no good tucked away in a binder or shoved in a drawer. Post them in your office, carry them on a small card in your wallet or purse, and put a copy on your closet door to look at every morning when you get dressed, or consider putting it on your computers screen saver. Subliminal reminders work. And don’t forget to track your progress. I found keeping my running log updated every second day was all I needed.
Plan to have a great year. I wish you success in exceeding your 2021 goals!