SAVE OUR GOALS: A New Year's SOS

If you are like most people, you took some time as the new year approached to map out or at least ponder what the best version of 2024 could look like for you.? You thought about where you are & where you want to be.? You even made a mantra – Soar in 2024!? You’ve got big plans & intentions of this being the year you accomplish ALL the goals.

You start hopeful & give it your all, but gradually realize your excitement & stamina begin to taper.? You were sure this year would be different.? At this rate, you consider changing your mantra to Snore in 2024.

Before you put your goals to bed though, consider this - nearly 80 percent of people abandon their New Year’s Resolutions by the second week of February according to U.S. News & World Report.? So, while you are not alone, you are also not reading this because you aspire to be like everyone else.? You, my friend, are here to SOAR above the status quo.? You are a winner & winners don’t quit!?

These three simple yet impactful shifts to your goals can help you get on track & stay on track for a high-flying year!

Tip #1: Get SMART about Your Goals

For many people, the challenge of goal sustainment is less about the person & more about the goal.? When we are ambitious for big outcomes, it is not uncommon to set goals that are too big & often very broad.? Successful goal attainment starts by breaking down your lofty goal into smaller, meaningful actions that you can do every day/week by setting SMART goals.? What exactly is a SMART goal, you ask?

?Specific: Big dreams = Big goals, right?? Wrong!? It is important to be very specific when creating goals that accompany your big dreams so that you know exactly what needs to be done to accomplish your goal.

?Measurable: It is essential to create a goal that is also measurable so that you can monitor your progress & if needed, calibrate your efforts to ensure your actions are aligned with your desired outcome.

?Actionable: Speaking of actions, ensure you have created a goal that clearly states the action that you will take to accomplish your goal

?Realistic: Despite wanting to become CEO of your company, is that truly realistic in 2024?? If so, keep on keeping on.? For most of us though, that may not be realistic this year (or ever?).? Unrealistic goals will leave you feeling burnt out & with a sense of failure – two anti-heroes on your quest to goal attainment.? Instead, aim for a goal that stretches you just beyond your comfort zone that with repetition & dedication can be achieved.

?Time-bound: Set goals that have a start and end timeframe associated with them.? This not only helps with accountability & forward movement, but it may also help a task that otherwise feels never-ending and therefore overwhelming appear more approachable.??

An example of a goal rehab using SMART Goal Setting may look like this:

Original Goal:

I will get a new job this year.

?SMART Goal:

I will get a new job as a Sales Manager at my company this year by (1) exceeding my quarterly sales goals by at least 101%, (2) scheduling a bi-monthly developmental call with my director to share my goals & discuss my progress, & (3) completing 1 stretch project each semester that align with the sales manager competencies.

?No denying the glaring difference between the original goal & it’s beefed up “SMART” counterpart.? Setting SMART goals may require more time & effort on the front-end, but once developed you know exactly what you need to do & by when.?

?Tip #2: Time Travel

No, I don’t mean like Marty McFly in Back to the Future.? What I am suggesting is to change the tense of your sentences.? For example, instead of saying “I will go the gym 3-times a week” say “I am a person who goes to the gym 3-times a week.”

?This simple shift in language can have a huge impact on your ability to sustain & attain your goals.? According to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, “Anyone can convince themselves to visit the gym or eat healthy once or twice, but if you don’t shift the belief behind the behavior, then it is hard to stick with long-term changes.”

?By changing your language, you can change your beliefs.? And when your beliefs change, so too will your identity.? You are no longer the person separate from who you hope to become once you achieve your goals.? Instead, you are the person who acts every day as the type of person who embodies your goals.? It becomes less about how you’ll get there & more about being there.

?Tip #3: When…Then

As you embark goal attainment, creating an RvR Plan – Respond v. React Plan – to address potential challenges or perceived barriers when they arise (because they will!) can be the difference between failing & flying.?

?When we react, our response is based on instinct and emotion & is often impulsive.? On the other hand, to respond is a conscious response accompanied with rationale & intention.? By creating an RvR Plan, you empower yourself to make sound decisions even when challenged.

An RvR Plan is made up of “When…Then” Statements.? Here are a couple of examples:

“When the kids are home sick & I can’t get to the gym, then I will have an at-home workout plan queued up to ensure I meet my fitness goals.”

“When the voice in my head says I am not good enough, then I will call my best friend to remind me of all the reasons I am enough.”

“When I am invited out to dinner, then I will view the menu in advance & pre-select a healthy option so that I don’t make an impulsive decision & can stick with my diet.”

Goals often require change.? Change is not easy.? Your ability to truly value the why behind your goal while also managing the challenges of change is your fuel for success.? Embrace the journey, know yourself, & keep aiming for the stars.? Now, go Soar in 2024!

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