Avoiding pitfalls in goal-setting for the new year

You’re getting started on goals for the new year.  A fresh start; a new leaf; the new you. But there are some things you can do now to help ensure success in reaching your goals.

And guess what? You don’t have to be perfect. Nearly all of these lessons I’ve learned by messing them up a time or two. You keep trying, and you get better. Think of it as practice. Instead of failing at a resolution, you're moving toward meaningful goals and transforming in the process.

Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls in goal-setting for the new year.

1.     Choose wisely. Set meaningful goals that align to your values. You’ll know it’s the right fit when you can’t wait to get started. And if you haven’t yet identified your core values, spend some time thinking about what they might be. Write down some ideas, then notice your feelings and behavior. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out yet. The more you think about it and observe your behaviors day to day, the more you’ll start to hone in on what matters most to you.

2.    Don’t start with too many. No goal is too big. But you can definitely have too many at once. Seriously, 15 is too many. So is 5. Try 3! I know it’s hard to choose. But it’s the best way to be successful. Once you nail the 3, you can add more. And you can always refresh and revise later in the season. (I like to refresh my goals with each season of the year.)

3.    Consider new paths. Feel like you keep trying to instill a habit but you’re falling short? Try a new way to reach the same goal.  Here’s an example. You want to start yoga but you can’t make a weekly habit to go to class? Try a weekend workshop or retreat to feel inspired. You bought all the supplies to start watercolor as a hobby but haven’t picked up a brush? Try taking a pop-up class or visiting an exhibition at the art museum to kick start your new creative habit. You might even encounter some new ideas along the way and refresh your goal. 

4.    Commit to actions that are in your control. Guys, don’t set goals defined by results you can’t control. Getting a raise in 2020 is not in your control. Documenting your awesome performance and asking for a raise? That’s more like it. When you commit to actions within your control, there are no excuses. You’ll be able to see results and change within yourself by focusing on your actions.

5.    Don’t drink the ocean. We say this a lot on my team at work. Don’t try to do too much at once.  Break it down into baby action steps, as small as possible. And just take one small step forward at a time. Starting today.

6.    Be consistent.  Once you start taking baby steps, take another one, and another little one. If you’re consistent and intentional moving toward your handful of goals (not 15, remember?), you will see huge results.

7.    Embrace the suck. When doing something new, you’re probably going to suck (at least at first), especially if it’s worthwhile. That’s OK. It means you’re growing and learning, which should be a little uncomfortable. Let yourself be a beginner for once. Enjoy the learning process. Laugh at yourself. (I’m still working on this one, too, so I’m right there with you.)

8.    Have a partner. Accountability partners are great, but I’m talking about more than just checking to see if you actually wrote a new blog post this week or read 50 books this year. Ask your goals partner(s) to offer practical help and encouragement. If your team knows what you are trying to accomplish this year, they can help refer new work your way, support your efforts, or connect you with new contacts who can help. If your friends know what’s on your mind, they can look for great deals on travel to Iceland, join you at the gym, or skip the nachos at dinner in solidarity. Asking for help will help you succeed. And by talking about your goals you’re also making space for others to do the same. You’re giving them permission to dream big and live intentionally. You’re leading by example to normalize choosing our best life. And I love that.

With those tips in mind, you’re ready for your best year yet.  I’m cheering for you!