We all set goals.  We even accomplish some.  But so often, year after year we still are listing the same goals.  The fact that they appeared on last year’s list, and the year before's list, and the year before that, is demoralizing.  It’s like we’re playing whac-a- mole with our self-esteem.

Goal-Setting 101

Have clarity about what you want to accomplish.  Set a specific, measurable goal.  You want sufficient clarity that will be absolutely clear to you when it is accomplished.  Know why this matters to you.  Without a powerful why it won’t happen

Goal-Setting 201

Create specific incremental steps that will get you there.

What do you need to do in the next 90 days?

What do you need to do in the next 60 days?

What do you need to do in the next 30 days?

What do you need to do this week?

What do you need to do today?  Create an action plan for the day …. 1-3 specific actions to move yourself forward. ...

On January 1, 2020 did you have a list of goals for 2020.  Were you excited about the promise of a new year and a new opportunity?  Was this the year you were going to finally ……….?

I suspect that if you are like most people some of those goals were already at risk before COVID 19 changed our world in March.  For essential workers, it increased their hours, their feelings of being at risk, and their stress levels.

For others they were suddenly thrust into the role of a homeschooling teacher.  I loved the comment of one child, when asked about his teacher, replied that he really wanted a different teacher the next year (sorry mom). 

For some there was the challenge of adjusting to telecommuting, and for others it was the challenge being unemployed with nowhere to go and nothing to do.

None of these things were anticipated when we optimistically created that list on “2020 Goals”.

Reality Check #1 – Some of Those Goals...