Goals? Done!!
Do your eyes glass over when the concept of goal setting is mentioned? Mine do! I like the idea, really I do. It’s just the drudgery of sitting down and determining goals that are “good enough” and “interesting” and “doable”! I’m always convinced I’m doing it wrong!
Well that’s what by brain still tries to offer me. Only now I anticipate the emotions (fear, doubt, shame) which lead to the negative thoughts (“I don’t know how”….“This may not be right for me,”….. “Maybe I should wait until later” …..“I’m probably not good enough”.) Remember the human brain’s first job is to point out things that pose a danger (failure, embarrassment, disappointment, an oncoming bus) and sound the warning.
At this point I’d LOVE to tell you that’s all over for me, I’ve got the secret formula to never again struggle with goal setting. I don’t. I do however, have some good tips and tools to make it a much more enjoyable and fun process. Here’s why:
Now I realize that it’s not what I get by achieving the goal, but who I become along the way.
I learn how to overcome negative emotion and doubt
I direct my mind to the possibility
I become more resilient
Dan Sullivan talks about the “strategic by-products” of working on a goal;
Meeting new people
Gaining transferrable skills
Being exposed to new ideas
Putting yourself out there (resilience anyone?)
Let's have some fun, try it like this:
Step #1. Write out what you want.
Step #2. Prioritize your list. Be selfish here. Put yourself at the top.
Step #3. Pick one. Write the specifics about that goal (what, when, how much etc.) Example: “I’m going to run and finish the Northern California Alzheimers marathon on June 14, 2022.” …just an example here don’t start calling me for training runs!
Step #4. And this is where the magic is: Anticipate the goal as already done! Then write the steps to achieve it going backwards. Reverse engineer it. Then start at the beginning.
Example : Complete (3) 15-mile training runs. Complete (5) 10-mile training runs. Complete(10) 5-mile training runs. Complete (10) 2-mile runs. Research proper nutrition, running shoes, training schedule.
Imagining the goal as completed allows for a new perspective and gets you out of the drudgery of “how”. The thought “I don’t know….” is a dream killer, it's what “safe” people do.
Let me know what outrageous goal you are going to allow for yourself. Let’s walk the plank together!
Ok. You brave person! Stay with me as next week week talk about the perfect time for our goals….hint: there isn’t one!
Grateful for you,
Anne