Resolutions, Goal Setting & the Paralyzing Overwhelm
You can run, but you can’t hide…. No matter how hard we dig our heels in, it’s here; time to rise out of the holiday haze, bring our sugar levels back to normal, and make resolutions we will likely break before the month is over. There’s so much to accomplish in 2019 that your goals might feel impossible to achieve. I can tell you mine certainly aren’t a cake walk, but there are a few things we can do to stay motivated, celebrate success along the way, and end 2019 with more boxes checked than not.
- Break it up. It’s natural to set resolutions with the end in mind. A new job, healthier lifestyle, etc. The end goal is exciting and inspiring to think about. However, it usually takes a while to get to that end result, and more times than not we abandon the plan mid-way through when we see how much work remains ahead to reach the goal. Breaking it up into manageable and digestible tasks will both ensure you’re not overwhelmed by the enormity of the goal, but that you also have the opportunity to celebrate success along the way, ensuring you stay focused and keep your motivation up. For example, if your main goal is to earn a promotion by the end of the year, map out an action plan of the tasks you’ll need to complete to reach the decision makers, influencers, and to show your accomplishments that illustrate your readiness for the next step. If your goal is to lose 40 pounds, map out a plan to eliminate certain foods/drinks, decrease portion sizes, celebrating 10-lb increments. You’ll see you’re chipping away at your goal and progress is indeed possible.
- Make them SMART. You’ve probably heard of the SMART goal methodology, a structure to set your plan up for success. It’s been around a while and is still used by successful executives in all sorts of industries. SMART goals ensure you’re not cluttering your plan with noise and that you’re focused on actions that will move the needle. Your goals should be:
- Specific (clear, well-defined)
- Measurable (should be able to track, articulate and understand progress)
- Achievable (reasonable, not out of reach, but not below standard either)
- Relevant (worthwhile, tied to your success, fit within short and long-term plans)
- Time-bound (dates should be tied to the tasks, sense of urgency defined)
- Talk about them. Leaders aren’t mind-readers, so it not always easy for them to know where you want to go, why you’re gunning for a particular project, or what your hopes are for the year. It’s always a good idea to include your goals in a career development plan and set aside 10 minutes of every one-on-one meeting with your boss to review the plan, ensure the goals resonate with and matter to them, and to ensure your progress is understood. This conversation will give you a chance to adjust if needed. It’s also an opportunity to gain a sense of confidence that you’re on the right track and they see the value you bring to the table every day. You should also talk about your goals with your mentors and sponsors. These people can help you shape your message and give you an outside-in point of view. Lastly, talking through your vision and the steps you’re taking to get there will lead you to realize your goals are attainable while speaking them into fruition.
- Keep a visual of your goals in front of you. It’s easy to lose track of where you are going or to jump tracks to something else when new things pop up throughout the chaos of the day. I love the idea of a vision board to serve as a reminder of the end-game. I am on the go so much that I need something a little more portable than a traditional board. If you are the planner type, you might dedicate a couple pages in your planner to your goals. Cut pics out of magazines, or write out your inspirational words, and keep a high-level view of your task plan tied to seasons/dates. Pinterest is also a great way to keep a portable, and digital, version in the palm of your hands.
Twelve months is a long time to plan for, so try to “chunk it out” and keep a continuous view of WHY you are doing what you’re doing, and hopefully you’ll realize the fruits of your labor on a regular basis, looking back on 2019 happy with the goals you’ve checked off as “complete”. Best of luck, and hope this is your best year yet!
XO, Andrea
And then, thankfully, there’s golf… Putt with the flag in, drop from knee-height, & hurry up; you have 3 minutes to find your lost ball.
The US Golf Association (USGA) released a consolidated rule book (from 34 to 24 rules, but with sub-rules to keep in mind) for 2019. Some of the changes seem a little strange, but a few could really help your score. Now you can leave the flag in when you putt, which can be good for those downhill blazers. Also drop balls might have a better chance of landing in the intended area now that the rule was updated to require being dropped from knee-height instead of shoulder height. While there are a lot changes to keep track of, ultimately it seems these are all in an attempt to
Here’s a link to an overview of the changes:
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