Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love New Years.
It isn’t watching the ball drop or sipping champagne that I look forward to – it’s the goal setting.
Every year, on New Years Eve I set out three small sheets of paper. On the first, I write down my failures from the previous year. On the second, I write down all of my accomplishments that year. On the third I set out my goals and intentions for the next year.
I purposely use small sheets of paper so that I focus on what really matters to me. Then, I burn and toss out the sheet listing the failures. But I always keep my accomplishments and goals close by.
Over the years, I have roped in my husband, siblings, parents and friends to do the same exercise. While initially reluctant, we all end up having interesting conversations from the experience.
Goal setting, even for a half hour, hardwires my actions and focus for the start of the year. And it works. There are many years I achieve a lot of what’s on my list, even some of the fantastical, out-of-the-box, unexpected stuff.
Setting goals is not for the weak of heart, however. The pursuit of a lofty goal can lead to the breaking of your spirit and your heart from time to time. But at least you’re off the bench and in the arena. You’re living.
And even if you don’t reach a goal, you build determination, discipline and grit from working towards it. The work you put in usually puts you in a better position from where you started, before making the goal. You begin to expect better of yourself. You create momentum for your life.
Many successful people believe in goal setting. Take for example the famous story of Jim Carey writing himself a $10 million cheque postdated 10 years later for “acting services rendered.” Ten years later, Carey signed a contract for $10 million dollars when he starred in the blockbuster movie Dumb and Dumber.
In a recent Inc.com article, Tim Ferriss, an early stage investor, podcaster and author, shared the 60-minute exercise he does at the beginning of each year. He recommends that you review last year’s calendar, week by week. Then, look for the events in your life that created memorable “highs” and “lows.” In planning your upcoming year, schedule time for activities that will give you the highest “highs” based on what gave you that feeling the year before. Ferriss further encourages you to drop what or who brought you the lows of the last year.
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There isn’t a single exercise that is key to unlocking a better year but setting goals and intentions is a good practice for any employee and employer.
Setting goals makes eminent business sense. Employers can build significant cultural bonds by goal setting within teams. It gives teams a target and sharpens the “why”. It is aspirational and intrinsically motivational.
Just because new years has passed doesn’t mean it’s too late to create a goal or two for a better year ahead. January is still quite young, so start now.
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The content of this article is general information only and is not legal advice.