Rethinking Goal Setting

Rethinking GOAL SETTING

Written by Laura Fuentes

Remember the excitement you felt by setting intentions or new goals for 2020?

I know what you’re thinking, “2020 happened. I survived, but by March 20th, those intentions and goals got put on hold.” I hear you. I had those exact thoughts too. I spent many nights awake pondering how I was going to pull through the challenges that quarantine (and beyond) brought to my company, family, and my own goals.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to be ready for literally anything and everything changing at once. Sure, we might have had a few meltdowns this past year and one too many treats or tacos, but many of us have learned how to be resilient and more adaptable.

You must set yourself up for success first.

As a result, we should be excited about the upcoming New Year. After all, we’ve been pushed to our limits, and we’re still fighting and adapting to the ever-changing environment around us.

As you’re reading this, know that you made it, and you still have so far to go. Why not use your newfound skills to accomplish your wildest dreams?

Here are 3 things to consider when setting goals for 2021 (and beyond):

• What changes have you implemented that you want to keep, and how can those changes support the things you want to accomplish?

• What skills could have helped you adapt quicker and propel you forward in 2020, and how can you learn or improve them to help you get to where you want to go?

• What specifically do you need more of in your life to feel more supported and capable?

The first step to achieving any goal should be reflecting on the things you need to have in your life to help you accomplish it. You must set yourself up for success first, and then tackle the goals.

For some people, the thought of setting goals is one that’s nowhere on their radar. Emotionally, they are still trying to recover and get their life together from the hits they’ve taken in 2020. It’s ok to feel this way, just don’t get stuck there. I believe this new year is an opportunity to bring out the person we’ve always meant to become. So this year, instead of focusing on the traditional work/career/financial goals, I want to encourage you to focus on the personal goals you’ve set aside for so long.

Grab a pen and paper and write one thing you’ve discovered that brings you joy.

How can that play a part in your personal goals?

How will you measure it?

How will you take action to make that part of your lifestyle?

That, my friend, is what achieving real goals is all about.

Achievements mean nothing if the journey wasn’t exciting, adventurous, and filled with new discoveries, don’t you think?

If you’re on Instagram, I’d love to hear from you and the goals you’ve got planned for 2021. You can find me @LauraSFuentes.