The New Year is getting older and older by the day, and some may already feel the drag of the old year kicking in. Could it be that some feel the drag because we are often unrealistic about what and how to achieve our goals? My coach always reminds me that to tackle the impossible, I must be willing to tackle the possible first.
Let’s face it, you are not going to get to the summit of Mt. Everest tomorrow just because you believe you have what it takes? You will need to climb the mole hills at your local state park first, and then a few others along the way; all necessary to build your momentum to handle Mt. Everest.
I know this analogy may sound too fundamental to some, but it’s simplicity is what eludes some of us in our pursuit of our big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs). Needless to say, if you are like many of us, you have your own strategies of how you plan to achieve your goals this year.
Even then, I am sure you would agree that reaching your goals sooner than later and with more energy and great joy would be a value add. After all, why pursue a goal if it drains the life out of you? What good is having or achieving something if it does kill you along the way?
To avoid the tiredness, burnout and boredom, I draw inspiration from Lao Tzu, “A Journey of a thousands miles starts with a single step.” You are best positioned to get to where you desire to be if you take care of the basics first e.g. basics needs, health and wellbeing, and then you’ll have freed your mental energy to work on your dreams with clarity.
The key to reaching your destination while it may seem far and elusive now, it’s actually simple if you are willing to deploy a strategy that work for you coupled with simplicity. Francis of Assisi said it best, “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and then suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
We know this because it’s what we teach our toddlers. We start with the ABC, 123, and then build the rest from there. This approach works because it helps one build capacity, resistance and momentum. Thus advancing to a tipping point (where all the effort finally pays off and one start to feel ease or effortless in the activity.) This is where you find your flow or zone where what was once daunting now becomes your second nature.
To do this, you will need to take sometime to map things out, or develop a strategy on how you intend to achieve what you want to achieve. For instance, when I help my clients go from where they are now to where they want to be, I always share my SMARTER approach. A common framework in strategic management.
S = Be specific in what you wish to accomplish (simply, know what you want?)
M = Your goals must be measurable (remember, ‘You cannot improve what you don’t measure’)
A = Your goals must be actionable or doable (ask yourself, “Do I have the skill to do what I set out to do?)
R = Be realistic in what you want to achieve (is your goal practical or not?)
T = Your goals must be time bound (how long will it take you to accomplish your goal? 5 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months?)
E = Evaluate the state of your progress as as you advance. (take some time to review and reflect on your progress)
R = Reward yourself and or your team upon reaching your summit.
Most people forget the last two steps that are in my view the most critical. Reviewing and reflecting helps you learn and recalibrate. In essence, this practice allows you to find what works and record it, as well as figure out any bottlenecks if any giving you the opportunity to address them immediately before they proof costly.
Additionally, by rewarding yourself and or your teams, you get to savor the joy of attaining success, and build on positive emotional connections subconsciously—a critical factor to your next endeavor. Why neuroscientist remark that, “neurons that fire together wire together” thus creating new pathways or memories.
In 2018, I remember deciding that I no longer wanted to carry a balance on my credit card. This was quite a challenge being that I had used my credit card for various business startup costs including publishing my first book etc. At the time, my total bill was well over 5K—and quite a drag on many levels.
So, I put myself to a test, and decided to actually do what I advise my clients to do. Today, I am glad to report that after 8 months, I finally got my credit card balance to zero, yay!!! It may seem like a small goal to some but to me this was wrecking my peace, and I had to act. I’m so grateful!
All in all, I share these tips in hope you’ll find them resourceful and encouraging as you advance your goals in 2019 and beyond. One thing is certain, this approach works only if you work it, and it’s effective and repeatable in any project or endeavor. Be it weight loss, travel to a new location, applying for a new job, writing a book or launching a business.
Although widely known by many, still others are unfamiliar with this framework, and may need help in figuring out how to get from where they are now to where they want to be. Either because they are not familiar with this practice or simply because they are tired, overwhelmed or lack clarity. If that is you, I would love to help you reach your summit this year. So, let’s connect or share your thoughts and comments below.
Carolyne helps professionals gain CLARITY around building a meaningful career. A speaker, author of Being Grounded: 21 Days To Come Alive and Love Your Life, and a contributing writer for various publications. To schedule your 45 minutes complimentary session with her, you can write her at carolyne@vpfstrategies.com
