Why focusing on what matters is better than what’s not been done

Are you one of those people who likes to plan for what you’ll achieve each year?

Has it been a while since you looked at what you wrote out for 2024?

Is that because you’ve already achieved everything, or are you worried that there’s still much left to achieve?

I recently reviewed a mind map of 2024 priorities for my business.

When it was developed, it was aspirational, as priorities would likely change as the world shifts and new opportunities emerge.

Some things achieved need revisiting, as they’re no longer fit for purpose. Other quite ambitious items can be ticked off as partially achieved, and a few that have been completed are evergreen and will have lasting value. Others have been ignored to create space to focus on other priorities.

As someone who has spent too many years to count addicted to achievement, I could start berating myself and focusing on what hasn’t been achieved. However, what was written at the centre of the mind map jumped out at me.

“2024 priorities underpinned by a greater focus on self-care (exercise and eat and sleep well)”.

The core focus is not a surprise, given the big word I chose for 2024 is SUSTAINABILITY.

With the support and guidance of the wonderful Alessandra Edwards, a high-performance and well-being coach, I now understand what works for my genetic profile. I have not only developed a range of healthier habits but am also fitter, stronger, mainly well, and many kilos lighter than I have been for years.

There’s still room for improvement, but the progress has been significant and is continuing.

I share this because as you reflect on what you wanted to achieve this year, remember to avoid getting caught up in whether you’ve ticked everything off your list.

Instead, focus on what really matters – what will set you up for success in the future.

And remember to celebrate what has been achieved rather than obsess about what is left to do.

Teresa M. Amabile and Steven J. Kramer analysed 12,000 diary entries by 238 knowledge workers. They discovered the progress principle—the single most important thing you can do to boost your emotions, perceptions, and motivation each day is to make progress in meaningful work.

As we hit the downhill run to the end of 2024, now is the time to recalibrate and focus on what can be achieved and positively impact the future.

As Richard Carlson said in his book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s All Small Stuff, “Ask yourself this question; will this matter a year from now?”

It’s also essential to let go of the ‘feel like I have to’ and create the space you need to look after yourself. I see so many people hit the wall before the end of the year, and you can make choices now to avoid becoming one of them.

We had to say goodbye to our dog Bella recently – she was unexpectedly special in multiple ways and full of a burning desire to make the most of life till the end. You could be like Bella and remember small pleasures are for savouring because there’s more to life than ticking off a list that’s no longer 100% relevant.

One of Bella’s small pleasures was wiggling down our hill on her back.

What’s your equivalent?

When was the last time you enjoyed that experience?

Plan to do it before the next one of these newsletters is released.

#SustainableAchievement #WellbeingMatters #Progress

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