Introduction
Hello everyone, happy December! I love this time of year as its the normal time I start looking towards the plan for next year and have this desire to start setting up my next years goals!
Today, instead of dropping the obvious ideas like SMART goals, I want to share with you three not-so-obvious ways to figure out your goals and to also achieving them.
1. Give Yourself Time to Dream: The Power of Visualization
The first step in my journey of goal setting begins with what I like to call 'dream time.' This isn't just daydreaming; it's an intentional practice of giving myself the space to think and visualize what the next year or even the next decade might look like. I sometimes do that in a coffee shop or just sitting in my office at home but I need that space.
I find a quiet spot, away from the daily hustle, and let my mind wander. It's not just about setting tangible goals but visualizing the life I want to lead. What new hobbies might I explore? How do I envision my relationship with my wife and daughters evolving? What new skills do I want to acquire? This rear I’m embracing the LifeScore Assessment done by the team at FullFocus.co.
As you can see above, this gives me some areas of my life to ponder on and then I need to decide what of these domains do I want to build a goal around. I may not do them all as the goal would be one that is big enough to scale an entire year. The key here is to convert these dreams into measurable, achievable steps.
2. Stream of Consciousness: Writing and/or Drawing Out Ideas
The second approach I've found incredibly useful is stream of consciousness writing or drawing. This might sound a bit abstract, but it's quite simple and profoundly effective. I take a blank sheet of paper and start jotting down or even drawing any and all thoughts that come to mind about my goals. Almost like a mind map.
Sometimes, it's a list of words; other times, it's a series of sketches. This process helps in uncover goals that are not immediately apparent. It's like connecting with a deeper part of myself, beyond the surface-level desires. For example, through this exercise, I discovered my desire to build back better personal relationships.
3. Finding MY Right Amount of Accountability
The third aspect is figuring out the right amount of accountability for me. I could use every technology tool and systems under the sun but if it’s too much, I won’t do it. If it’s too little, I’ll just forget about it.
For me, I also like sharing my goals with my family and a close circle of friends. It then makes it more real. Their support and occasional check-ins provide a sense of responsibility and motivation. For instance, sharing our financial goals with my wife has been helpful to justify our financial decisions while keeping us both on the same page.
Additionally, hiring a coach or joining a like-minded community can provide the necessary push and expertise. For instance, joining a local golf club not only improved my game but also connected me with individuals who share similar interests, adding another layer of accountability and enjoyment.
To Wrap Up
Setting and achieving goals is an art form, one that requires patience, introspection, and a balanced approach. By giving myself time to dream, utilizing stream of conscious writing or drawing, and finding the right amount of accountability, I've been able to set meaningful goals and achieve them in a fulfilling way.
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