Setting goals, the right way
If you don't believe in goal setting, I feel you. I was skeptical too. But then I learned how to do it the right way, and it worked. You choose.
The solar year is nearly done. We've already received Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music Replay. Despite the use of AI in these services, the auto-generated playlists for 2023 are a letdown. Fast entertainment rules today, and the songs I loved a few months ago seem stale and boring.
Every morning, I drive my toddler to school. During this time, we listened to a lot of Cocomelon songs. In the evening, I play classical music in my house. It's always in the background. In my recaps, these two genres completely drowned out the few songs I listen to for my own pleasure.
For me, the signal that the year has ended is the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year. I'm not a fan of Peach Fuzz, but I'm sure it will grow on me.
But the real deal for me, when the old year ends and the new year is approaching fast, is about reviewing goals and setting new ones.
In 2023, out of 17 goals I had set, I completed 9 of them, accounting for 52% success.
If I drill down on categories, the picture gets clearer:
Professional Goals: 4 out of 6 (66%)
Family Goals: 5 out of 6 (83%)
Personal Goals: 0 out of 5 (0%)
This truly represents my 2023. Family first, business second, and total letdown on my personal improvement.
As much as I established wonderful habits with my children and spouse and built a business from scratch (still a WIP), I completely failed in self-care.
It’s about time to renew my goals and set new ones.
My goal-setting process is based on the following resources.
Let's get going!
Good stuff on Goal Setting
12 Step method of setting goals by Brian Tracy
If there is just one resource I can recommend about goal setting, this is the one. This video is super clear and very effective. If you are serious about setting goals, this video is life-changing. Don't miss it!
Using the Goal Gradient Hypothesis to Help People Cross the Finish Line
When we are near our goals, we tend to work harder. This is known as "the goal gradient hypothesis." We are more motivated to finish a task when we can see the reward. When we design our goals, this idea can help us get more granular, breaking big tasks into smaller, more achievable ones. Check it out!
Why Is Ambition Important?
Ambition is commonly defined as the desire and determination to work towards and achieve great things, accompanied by an inner drive that keeps one focused on one's goals. It is an intrinsic motivation that guides one to success.
Read more about ambition here.
A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit
Psychiatrist Judson Brewer investigates the correlation between mindfulness and addiction, from smoking to overeating and beyond. In exploring this relationship, he seeks to uncover the mechanism of habit formation and identify a simple yet effective strategy to help individuals resist cravings, such as smoking, snacking, or texting while driving. Check it out!
The Personal Annual Review
Having a personal annual review can be an interesting and valuable way to reflect on the past year and assess your progress and achievements. It allows you to take stock of what you have accomplished and identify areas for improvement or growth. A personal annual review can also help you set goals and make plans for the future and can be a helpful tool for self-reflection and self-improvement.
Here, you can find a great personal annual review template.
You might find this interesting:
Finding Gems In The Rubble: How to Keep Listening During Upsetting Conversations
Disclaimer
For the first 40 years of my life, I did not believe in New Year's resolutions, goal-setting at a personal level, and all that stuff. Until I put together a process and followed it, it worked.
I'm not saying you should do it, but if you are as skeptical as I was and want to give it a try, these are amazing resources that can help you.