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There’s nothing like a fresh start. That’s why beginnings (like a new year) can often feel energizing and inspire one to create something new in their work and/or life. Perhaps you’ve named some goals, aspirations or even a mantra or theme for the year ahead?
But with the glitter of the new year now behind us many people may find their goals fading from their attention and energy. Work and life can be fierce competitors for our attention, time and focus. This is why many people have become disheartened with setting new year goals (or worse, resolutions). Year after year they name them, but have trouble sticking to them as other priorities win the day.
Before you toss the towel in on those lovely aspirations, consider that perhaps you just might need a recalibration to get focused again.
The language of goals
Firstly, don’t get bogged down by the language and ‘rules’ of goals. But do embrace the power of intentions.
Goals mean different things to different people. For some, goals are supposed to be specific and well-defined, measurable, actionable and time-sensitive (often referred to as SMART goals). They may be oriented to detailed planning. For others, goals are just another way of saying, “I want something different and I plan to make it happen.” Perhaps they may take a less fulsome approach to planning and maybe just get started and see what happens from there.
Context matters. Indeed, some goals are meant for more concrete planning and measurement, and others less so. Work related goals may require more rigour and detailed plans. For instance, increase sales by 10 per cent by year-end, earn a promotion or expand your network. Or on the personal side, run a marathon.
But other goals can be less tangibly visible or measurable yet heartfelt, experiential and meaningful. For instance, a goal oriented to one’s inner world (of feelings and experience), such as feeling less stressed, being more engaged at work (and life) or becoming more confident or happier.
All worthy and each might warrant a different path to making it happen. While there is lots of science and discipline around goal setting and achievement – for now I want to invite you to NOT get overly bogged down by doing it perfectly right. There are many right ways to pursue change and make good things happen in your life.
I’d like to invite you to think more about the power of setting intentions.
The power of intentions as a path to making stuff happen
What is often missing from people’s goal setting is getting really clear on what they truly want and are willing to do to make it happen. Intentions can make a difference. This requires reflection and commitment: What will I do? What will I focus on? What can I count on myself for? And more.
Intentions cultivate a roadmap of focus, purposeful action and mindsets that empower.
For instance, if your goal is to earn a promotion, then drill down and ask yourself what within your sphere of influence do you need to take responsibility for; and what will you commit to?
Perhaps this may involve learning new skills, having career conversations with your boss or developing yourself in different ways.
The careerist seeking a promotion might set intentions to learn more about something related to their desired goal. For example, to take a course to advance their skills and knowledge or to take more leadership on a project that has potential for visibility, impact and a chance to showcase their potential.
In addition to actions, intentions can also be attitudinal and oriented to mindset. For instance, a young professional wanting to progress in their career but who lacks confidence and tends to be overly silent in meetings, might set intentions such as:
“Today my intention is to be courageous (even if I feel scared) to speak up at least once in the meeting.” Or “today I will remind myself to be more aware of my strengths, abilities and potential instead of self judgment and overly focusing on what I cannot yet do.”
An individual feeling distraught from all the woes in the world and the stresses in their life, may have a goal to be heartier and happier despite the tough stuff. They might set an intention to ‘notice the good in the day’ no matter how much tough stuff happens.
Create the habit of setting intentions
- Don’t start your day without setting intentions. For the greatest impact, it is important to be consistent. You may also set intentions for the week, month, year or other timeframes.
- Include both actionable and mindset-oriented intentions. Don’t underestimate how powerful mindsets are for fuelling purposeful action.
- Don’t be afraid to go small. Tiny goals and intentions can add up over time. Many big goals are made up of many parts. For example, today I will reach out to one person to expand my network.
- Check in regularly with yourself. Hold yourself accountable and stay in touch with how you are honouring your intentions. When things don’t go well, be curious, open and patient with yourself and see what you can learn or modify.
Ready to dust off those goals and aspirations and give this another try? The rewards await.
Eileen Chadnick, PCC, of Big Cheese Coaching, is an ICF credentialed, two-time ICF (International Coaching Federation) Prism award winner, who works with leaders (emerging to experienced), and organizations, on navigating, leading and flourishing in times of flux, opportunity and challenge. She is the author of Ease: Manage Overwhelm in Times of Crazy Busy.