Goals - Make them right for you!

Last night I sat at home reflecting on the past 12 months, whilst polishing my shoes getting ready for my first day back at work for a fresh new year. Some say you shouldn't look back, only forward. Whilst I agree to a certain extent, it's a good way to learn and give yourself a pat on the back for some of the things you have achieved.

As some of you might know each and every year I set myself 12 goals I want to achieve over the coming 12 months. I have been doing this for 5 years now and I thoroughly enjoy it. However 2018 was my worst year yet for achieving my goals, only hitting 7 out of my 12.

I always put my 12 goals on my fridge, front and centre for me and everyone to see - no hiding. I recall looking at them with some unease during the run in to December and with a shade of disappointment as I knew I hadn't achieved what I had set out to achieve.

Why did this happen? What was wrong with me? I am normally so consistent. Was I now lacking the drive I needed? Are things all now going to go wrong? Why had I failed?

Upon reflection it's very easy to beat ourselves up over these type of things. But I love that I do this. I love the fact it really matters to me. I'm a completely different animal than I once was. Six years ago I wouldn't of even set myself 1 goal! Fast forward 6 years and the way I now control my mindset in comparison is revolutionary.

I also reviewed my previous goals over the last 5 years and compared each year. The type of goals and scale of these has increased greatly over these years and so when I look at the 7 I did achieve, I am really proud of them. Some people may not agree and say they are not as 'big' or 'substantial' than previous years, but that doesn't matter to me. I don't rise to any judgement.

In life whether it's consciously or sub-consciously we always set ourselves goals or things we would like to achieve;- I want to lose weight, I want to clear my credit card, I want to get married, run a marathon, meet a soulmate. It doesn't matter what they look like for other people - it's about how important it is for you and what it means to you by completing it.

People have asked me many times 'how do I choose the right goals'? Well there's no right or wrong answer. I would say you need to decide who you want to be. What do you want to stand for? what are your principles? once you know the answers to these, it can then help you shape the goals you want to achieve. But remember don't try and pick goals other people expect of you. Make them personal to you. Don't worry about what other people may think. If people are judging you because of them, you are already one step ahead.

Something I have come to realise is that the resulting success isn't always the goal itself - it's the process and system you use to help you get there. Don't focus necessarily on the goal but on the process itself. Baby steps. Bit by bit. Marginal gains. Suddenly the task doesn't seem so big and it's a great way to track your progress. Marginal gains is something I will be working much more on in 2019. My CSO introduced a marginal gain mentality to our sales force here at Access recently (inspired by British Cycling and Team Sky) and it has had a huge impact.

I hope those of you who are still reading are able to set yourself some goals - even if it's just 2 or 3. Make them very specific and enjoy the ride in trying to achieve them. Take them seriously - you'll be blown away by the fire inside of you.