Déjà vu
Here we are again, in that time of the year when new resolutions are formed, gym memberships surge, and new subscriptions abound. Recently, I found myself rifling through my archives, stumbling upon scraps of paper bearing the goals I had penned back in early 2023. It was quite an intriguing discovery. Having forgotten about the list entirely, it was a pleasant surprise to realize that by December 2023, not only had I achieved most of my goals, but I had also surpassed them. Reflecting on accomplishments and unmet aspirations sparked the inspiration for this discussion on effective goal setting.
Reflecting on the Past: Self-Retrospection
Setting goals and expectations for the year ahead is undoubtedly essential. However, before diving into that process, there’s a crucial step: self-retrospection. By self-retrospection, I mean taking a moment to truly understand yourself at a particular time. It involves viewing yourself from an external perspective, or as my pastor likes to say, assessing oneself. While having a document outlining goals from the previous year can facilitate this process, it’s not essential. Jot down your successes, failures, areas of growth, and works-in-progress. Honesty is key during this step. If you find it challenging to be objective about yourself, seek the perspective of a trusted confidant.
Organizing Your Vision: Categorization and Prioritization
After reflecting and gathering your thoughts, it’s time to organize your future goals. Begin by categorizing them into overarching themes. Think of this process as creating chapters in a book. Drawing inspiration from techniques like those found in the Bible, where Luke in the book of Acts presents an overview of events and detailed accounts; Aim to create a holistic view of your goals. For instance, if one of your categories is finances and your ultimate goal is to become debt-free, break it down into as many subcategories as possible. Use your past goals as a guide and add new ones as needed. The objective is to segment your goals into manageable slices, setting the stage for focused action.
Detailing Your Vision: Action Planning
Now, let’s zoom in on the specifics of your goals. Using the financial example, delve into the nitty-gritty details. Outline the exact amount of debt you owe, identify your various sources of income, assess your current account balance, and lay out the steps required to achieve debt freedom. Be as detailed as possible, crafting a concrete action plan. Even if your aspirations are as lofty as becoming an NBA player while residing in a city like Mbuji-Mayi (Central Dem Rep of Congo), start by outlining the initial steps. Perhaps it’s scheduling time to play basketball next weekend. Cultivating the habit of action planning not only facilitates progress toward your goals but also nurtures the skill of business planning, which can prove invaluable in undertaking larger projects.
Setting the Pace: Imposing Deadlines
As you finalize your plan, it’s crucial to establish deadlines. Assign timelines not only to individual actions but also to your overarching plan. These deadlines shouldn’t be limited to yearly milestones but should also encompass shorter periods. In my view, a minimum of three months allows for adequate assessment of progress. Regularly evaluate your advancement in various categories, echoing the process of self-retrospection. It’s often said that the more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know. Self-retrospection empowers you to truly grasp your current position, make necessary course corrections, and refine your path to achieving your goals. It’s natural for some aspects of your plan to evolve or become irrelevant over time, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace the journey of continuous growth, recognizing that outgrowing goals that no longer align with your vision is a sign of progress.
Embracing Growth: Strategies for Success
As you embark on this journey of continuous growth and personal development, developing effective strategies is essential. Begin by engaging in regular retrospection. Understanding who you are at various points in your life provides invaluable insights for progress.
Next, organize your time effectively by categorizing your priorities and streamlining your thoughts and ideas. Craft an action plan with concrete, achievable steps that transform your vision from abstract to tangible. Divide your overarching vision into manageable projects, each with its deadlines. Regularly revisit your goals and action plan, ideally every three months, to evaluate progress and adapt your methods as needed.
If you haven’t please check our 2024 Pilot Episode, now available on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast where our Friend Marc-alain dives in to discuss the reasons why most of our goals fail.
By integrating these principles into your approach, you’re sure to experience remarkable results. Here’s to your continued growth and success. Cheers!