Today we are discussing goal setting. We are in the season of setting goals for 2021! In Episode 13 I discuss “setting goals you actually care about.” 2020 has been very unique. 2021 will as well. I am sharing extra thoughts with how I am working with my businesses and how we are setting goals in 2021 amidst the uncertainty.
Last week’s episode, Episode 55 is one I recommend you should listen to before diving into this episode. It is titled, “What Are You Too Afraid to Ask For.” I discuss how you need to name and acknowledge the roadblocks that can challenge us as we move forward. 2020 may have been a year where you didn’t hit goals for yourself. This could be big or small, business or personal. The reality is, if you are in an industry that was disrupted by the pandemic, your goals were likely disrupted, too. You may also be questioning your abilities. Maybe this year made it so clear that our best-laid plans our completely useless. It is sad but true. You cannot plan for a year when everything changes by the minute. NAMING these things, these fears that have been generated through 2020 is very important.
It is absolutely logical to worry about setting goals for 2021. I think we can still set goals amid it all. Spend this time thinking through how this time in 2020 is showing up for you. What emotions or fears are showing up in your life that aren’t giving you the strong foundation that is so crucial for setting meaningful goals that matter to you in 2021.
I go back to the three significant pillars I discuss in my podcast: Reflect, design, and pursue. These are the constant cycles in my life that help me with my goals.
[9:35] #1 Reflect – This year has tested me in ways I have never been tested before, particularly in my businesses. I feel like in my reflection I can pat myself on the back. I could list all of the failures and those that helped me through it, too. How did YOU do? We now have this new insight that we can sit with during this time of reflection. Recognize something that is now meaningful to you that maybe wasn’t before. Ask yourself, “What is meaningful to you?” For me, what was meaningful last year is not the same as what is meaningful to me this year. I paraphrase a quote that resonated with me: “The purpose of a goal isn’t to achieve the goal; it is to become the type of person that could achieve that goal.”
As you are setting goals that are meaningful to you, stay in reflection. Whether you want to visualize or look at the stars…whatever it looks like for you. Think about how you are feeling in this new world? What are your worries? What are you most proud of? I share the idea of writing a letter to yourself as if it is December 31, 2021, describing who you are and how your heart feels at the time. I share an example (that I also shared last year in Episode 13) about my Pursue You Podcast goal-setting and reflection. After a couple hours of setting crazy goals and pushing, I learned that if I do not have strong relationships in my life, none of my goal-setting matters. Figure out what is important to YOU and determine what you want to become in the new year.
[19:14] #2 Design – When I say design it is all about building a strategy around something. In this instance, I am referring to the goals that you have set for yourself. You might be in a spot going into 2021 where you are feeling completely overwhelmed. Your goal for the entire year may just be to be the best version of yourself. I am personally specific…and setting SMART goals is important. But your goal is YOUR goal and it is meaningful to you. Wherever you are going into 2021 is where you SHOULD be.
I take you through my “Life Plan,” based off Keller Williams business plan. LINK IN SHOW NOTES. As yourself, “What do my priorities need to be in order for me to accomplish my goal?” I suggest you determine 3-4 priorities. Then, you ask yourself, “How do you accomplish your priority.” So, as you may have guessed, I ask you to come up with 3-5 strategies. I share examples for both as well as some of my own personal examples.
I share some strategies for building a business when owning and running businesses is a huge struggle in the current world we live in! I suggest you have plans A, B and C! I share a few examples.
A strategy I use is called The 15th Protocol. The 15th Protocol is based on the idea that half-way through the month, you should have reached half of the month’s goals. If you are below half of your goal, then you need to change your activities. YOU determine what those changes are IN ADVANCE, on day 1 of the month. Why is this important? 1. You are not wasting time determining what to do when you are behind on your goals and 2. You are not wasting precious energy brainstorming and 3. If you are behind, you may be in an emotional state and may not think clearly about what is best for you and your business.
[33:29] #3 Pursue – After Reflection and Design, the only thing in your way is YOU! It is time to take action! One of the many reasons I like the word “pursue” is because it doesn’t need to be this massive thing! In Episode 31, I share about the power of small things. That is where pursuit comes in. If you are lacking momentum, focus on the smaller things along your journey. Pursuit is pursuit. It is, by definition “continuing or preceding along a path or route.” There is no such thing as a “final plan” in your life. It is a “rough draft.”
Whatever your year looked like, we cannot spend our days looking in that rear-view mirror. Take the time that you need to acknowledge what 2020 meant for you. As you build your goals for 2021. Develop those A/B/C plans so that you are ready. And, if all else fails, remember YOU MADE IT THROUGH. As we move forward, prioritize self-care and what YOU need to take care of first, before anything: mindset, growth, relationships, so that we are filled up and so that we have a strong foundation to dream.
So, when it comes to setting your goals for 2021 amidst the uncertainty, download the Life Plan as your foundation to Reflect, Design and Pursue what is meaningful to you. Remember: “The purpose of a goal isn’t to achieve the goal; it is to become the type of person that could achieve that goal.” The more you are listening to this podcasts and other podcasts like this you are taking those small-but-meaningful-steps to become the type of person that can.
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More Episodes You’d Be Interested In
Episode 55: What Are You Too Afraid to Ask For
Episode 54: Why You Don't Have to Wake Up Early to Be "Successful"