Set workplace well-being goals

- In the business world and in our personal lives, it's hard to get to where you want to be if you don't know what you're aiming for. Setting goals helps us know where to focus, and when these goals are developed the right way, they can guide our day-to-day actions and behaviors so we can ultimately achieve our objectives. Let's look at how to set goals specifically around your wellbeing, but first, remember why your wellbeing as a manager is so important. Not only is it critical for your own quality of life, it's also linked to the wellbeing of your employees. I know from personal experience how challenging it can be to prioritize my health. However, goal setting is a tool that's been immensely helpful to me and many other business leaders, so let's talk about the three steps to setting goals that will actually move the needle on your wellbeing. First, identify the areas that you'd like to work on. As an example, let's say you want to feel more energized during the day. Second, set big picture goals that will help you progress in these areas, and remember, it's important to view your wellbeing in a holistic way. So when it comes to feeling more energized, think about a wide range of behaviors. For example, your sleep routine, physical activity, and diet, and set long-term goals to improve these. Third, break down these long-term goals into specific actions you can incorporate into your routine on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. You have to approach your wellbeing in the same way you'd approach a key business objective. You wouldn't set a goal to just make more sales, so don't be vague about what you need to do here, either. Going back to the example of feeling more energized, you might aim to go to bed one hour earlier each night and take a 30-minute walk on your lunch break at least three times a week. Let's take a look at these examples from a leader who emphasized how challenging it is to prioritize her wellbeing because she's so passionate about her job and often wants to feel fully engaged in her work, so her health is something she has to consciously manage using goals like these. Read or listen to one book a week. Attend at least one yoga class a week. Cook dinner at least three times a week. Go on a date or outing at least one time a week. Experience one learning adventure a week. For example, visiting a museum. Attend one monthly dinner club with friends. She also noted that when it gets difficult to stick with her goals, she takes the time to reflect on her values and what's really meaningful to her. So remember, ultimately, this is about your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your team members, and what's more important than that?