Mentoring Moment: Annual Goal Setting

As mentors, one of our most powerful roles is helping others envision possibilities beyond their current routines.

Too often, people are so consumed by their "calendars"—tasks, deadlines, and structured responsibilities—that they forget to pause, dream, and imagine. This shift in perspective can be especially impactful before setting annual goals or OKRs.

I learned this lesson years ago as a nanny to two overcommitted children. Their days were packed with playdates, after-school activities, and team events. Every moment was scheduled, leaving them uncertain about what to do with free time.

To encourage their creativity, I’d take them to the playground and say, “Find a friend and use your imagination.” At first, they resisted. But soon, their creativity sparked—they built sandcastles, invented games, and returned home glowing with the joy of spontaneity and freedom.

I suspect those moments became some of their most cherished memories—they certainly are some of mine. As mentors, we can create similar opportunities for those we guide, helping them step back, dream bigger, and unlock their potential.

Helping Teammates Reimagine What's Possible

Sometimes our role isn’t just to guide people through their commitments—it’s to encourage them to step outside their framework and reimagine what’s possible. When we help teammates pause and dream, we give them permission to:

• Think and problem solve beyond their current responsibilities.
• Explore aspirations that truly excite them.
• Broaden their perspective and inspire work that aligns with their vision.

Here’s how you can bring this approach into your mentoring conversations:

1. Create Space for Exploration

Just like those children needed unstructured time to tap into their imagination, we need space to think freely. Encourage teammates to step away from the day-to-day grind and ask:

• "What excites you most about this year?"
• "If time and resources weren’t a constraint, what would you dream of doing?"
• "What brings you joy, and how can that influence your aspirations?"

2. Challenge Their Framework

We often set goals that align with the framework we already operate in. Our job as mentors is to help others think bigger. Ask them:

• "What’s a possibility you haven’t considered yet?"
• "How can your goals not just fit the team’s needs, but push the team forward?"
• "If you could create your ideal role or contribution, what would it look like?"

3. Find Their Playground

Like I told those kids to "find a friend and use your imagination," encourage others to find their version of the playground—a space where they can dream freely and collaborate with others. Help them:

• Connect with new mentors or peers who inspire them.
• Explore creative outlets that fuel their imagination.
• Take on a stretch project that pushes them out of their comfort zone.

4. Challenge Others to Shed Narratives That No Longer Serve Them

Often, people hold onto outdated beliefs about their abilities, roles, or potential because those narratives once felt safe or familiar. As mentors, we can help others recognize and release these limiting stories. Encourage reflection with questions like:

• "What assumptions are you making about your capabilities or opportunities?"
• "Are there old patterns or beliefs holding you back from pursuing something new?"
• "If you let go of what you 'should' do, what would you choose instead?"

Final Thought

Leaders create the vision that guides us toward the future. Managers ensure the day-to-day stays on track. Mentors unlock possibility, helping others see beyond immediate tasks and into uncharted potential.

By fostering exploration, challenging limiting frameworks, and helping others shed outdated beliefs, we can inspire those we mentor to think bigger and dream bolder.

But first, start with yourself. Answer these questions:

• What possibilities are you not yet considering?
• What outdated narratives might you need to release?
• Where could you dream bigger in your own journey?

Then, share your reflections in the comments—I’d love to hear your story and learn from your experience! Go ahead. Lead by example. Mentor through experience. Reimagine what's possible—then set the goals to make it real.

#pinkmentornetwork #Mentorship #GoalSetting #GrowthMindset #Leadership