The Multitasking Trap (Part II): Quality Goal Setting

Part I was focused on How Overloading Ourselves Fuels Imposter Syndrome

Today, in Part II, I focus on how goal setting, when done well, can help counteract the multitasking that leads to imposter syndrome.

Part III will provide a few strategies and options for setting goals as the sun sets on 2024. There are a lot of goal setting "systems" out there. I will share a few of my favorites.

Part IV will come full circle to examine the how and why of habit formation as a way to close the loop on managing our time, attention and goals.

Multitasking can lead to a scattered approach and fuel imposter syndrome. Quality goal setting, on the other hand, offers a more focused and fulfilling alternative. In today's edition of Unleash Your Audacity I will discuss:

• The difference between goal-setting and multitasking
• Top 10 practical steps for quality goal-setting

The goal-setting and multitasking mindsets - What's the difference?

1. Focus vs. Fragmentation

• Multitasking: Spreads attention across multiple tasks, often leading to fragmented efforts and incomplete work. Studies are finding that when we multitask our brains do not fully move into the new task thus creating a lag in full concentration when starting the second task.
• Quality Goal Setting: Encourages deep focus on specific, meaningful objectives, allowing for more substantial progress and a sense of accomplishment.

2. Quantity vs. Quality

• Multitasking: Often prioritizes the number of tasks attempted over the depth or quality of work. We love crossing of tasks on a list don't we. And that's ok sometimes, but how many of those tasks are meaningful?
• Quality Goal Setting: Emphasizes the value and impact of achievements, rather than just the volume of activity.?

3. Short-term vs. Long-term Thinking

• Multitasking: Tends to focus on immediate demands and short-term productivity, leading to constant work on urgent matters that are not always important matters.
• Quality Goal Setting: Aligns daily actions with long-term vision and personal values, fostering a sense of purpose.

4. Reactive vs. Proactive

• Multitasking: Often reactive, responding to various demands as they arise, hence the long to do list.
• Quality Goal Setting: Proactive, allowing you to shape your priorities and take control of your time and energy. Time and energy and not renewable resources. Once they are gone, they are gone. We get more time and we get more energy, but if we don't focus on the things that are meaningful, our time and energy are wasted.

5. External vs. Internal Validation

• Multitasking: Can lead to seeking external validation through busy-ness and visible activity. What exactly are we trying to prove with being busy? What are we busy with?
• Quality Goal Setting: Encourages internal validation through meaningful progress and alignment with personal values.

6. Stress vs. Satisfaction

• Multitasking: Often leads to increased stress and feelings of inadequacy.
• Quality Goal Setting: Provides a sense of direction and satisfaction, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.

The bottom line is that by shifting your paradigm from a multitasking mindset to one of quality goal setting, you can:

• Gain clarity on what truly matters to you
• Experience a greater sense of accomplishment
• Improve the quality of your work
• Reduce stress and overwhelm
• Align your daily actions with your long-term aspirations
• Build genuine confidence based on meaningful progress

Incorporating quality goal setting into your life doesn't mean abandoning all multitasking. There is satisfaction in getting things done and crossing them off a list. And, let's face it, life lifes! Instead, it means being more intentional about where you direct your time, attention and energy. By setting clear, meaningful goals and focusing on quality over quantity, you can combat the self-doubt that fuels imposter syndrome and build a more authentic, fulfilling path forward.

The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time is now. - Chinese Proverb

My TOP 10 Practical Steps for Quality Goal Setting

1. Identify your core values by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Your goals should align with these values and the majority of what you attempt to accomplish should bring you closer to those goals.
2. Figure out the goal setting system that works for you. In next week's issue, I will share some of the goal setting systems out there. Most people are familiar with SMART or GROW Goals. But there are other processes that might better fit your style.
3. Prioritize. Choose 1-3 key goals to focus on at a time, rather than trying to tackle everything at once. EVERYTHING is not a priority. That mindset is what keeps us from finishing important tasks, accomplishing quality goals and combatting imposter syndrome.
4. Break It down by dividing larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This is at the core of good habit development. You want to lose 50 pounds. That's fantastic. But that's too big to tackle without setting smaller milestones or goal posts throughout the journey.
5. Write it all down. Your brain is busy. Help it out and have a place where you can review your goals, action steps, milestones and to do's.
6. Schedule Deep Thinking. Allocate uninterrupted time for focused work on your priority goals. Sometimes that means sitting at your favorite chair to just think or meditate. It doesn't have to be a long time. How often do you give yourself an opportunity to do that?
7. You must review your goals regularly. For me, that means looking at my bank account and budget sheet regularly. For someone else it's reviewing their mission statement or strategic plan. Periodically assess your progress and adjust your goals as needed. It's ok if things shift. Your goals should be malleable and not rigid.
8. Don't overdue it and don't overthink it. You don't need 10 goals and you don't have to wait until January 1 or a random Monday to begin. NOW is the time. TODAY!
9. Celebrate milestones. I am a huge advocate of acknowledging your achievements, no matter how small, to build momentum and confidence.
10. Hire me as your coach. I have proven success in setting goals, developing good habits around those goals, and finally accomplishing them.

By embracing quality goal setting over multitasking, you're not just changing your work habits – you're reshaping your relationship with productivity and success. This shift can be a powerful tool in overcoming imposter syndrome and finding genuine fulfillment in your personal and professional life.

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