The time is upon us – time to sit down and contemplate our personal and professional goals for the new year. If you’re like me, making the list is an easy task to accomplish. But, the goal setting process also includes revisiting what was achieved or not achieved from last year’s list. As a result, it’s often revealed that while you may have been SMART in setting the goals, the ability to check them off your list is a feat in itself.
The SMART approach to goal setting is pretty clear cut; in order for goals to be attainable they must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. It’s a clever acronym, and seems reasonable in theory, but regardless of its purpose, it still doesn’t ensure that goals will be met.
So, what hinders our ability to start each year with a clean slate, without roll over goals from the previous year? Procrastination? The inability to prioritize? Or perhaps fear – some goals are just too scary to face because they are outside of our comfort zones. I’d say all of the above apply, but having the answer still doesn’t solve the problem.
What if I told you that I have the antidote – the panacea for unmet goal syndrome? I can’t promise you won’t need to step out of the coziness of your comfort zone, but I can assure you that come December 2016, you’ll have a better chance of starting 2017 with a peace of mind; not only were you able to check all your goals off the list, but you will also be able to proceed with a brand spanking new list, ready to be tackled.
So, here it is … are you ready for it? If you want to achieve your goals this year, make them public. It truly is as simple as it sounds. Making your goals public, meaning you share each one with at least one other person, is the remedy that will, without a doubt, result in overall success this year. And here’s why:
Accountability:
Consider the theory that what you put out to the universe is what you get back. Don’t visualize a boomerang whereas you send your goal out and it comes flying back at you. You send it out and as a result of feeling a sense of accountability to achieve it, what you get back is a sense of accomplishment. You don’t want to run the risk of having to admit that you didn’t follow through. You will be more accountable to avoid the embarrassment of dropping the ball.
Clarification:
When we verbalize our goals, it often initiates further discussion. The other person might ask you questions, and the answers lead you to clarifying the goal in your own mind. A clear, well-defined and structured goal is easier to meet, and more often achieved.
Motivation:
This point is somewhat aligned with accountability. If you feel accountable to more than yourself, you’ll be more motivated to achieve your goals. Additionally, the more you talk about your goal, the more motivated you become personally, especially if the recipient of your goal sharing reacts with enthusiasm and excitement. It only serves to reinforce your intention.
Relationship Development:
Once you share your goals with others, you form a bond and connection, which can lead to deeper and more meaningful relationships. The better quality the relationship, the more inspired we are to live up to our commitments, so that the connection isn’t broken.
Setting goals is the easy part, and the SMART method is certainly an effective model to follow. But working towards achieving them, which often includes taking risks, making changes, and being vulnerable, is challenging. As you embark on the new year, do so with a shift in your mindset; embrace a new perspective by making your goals public. There is power in information, and in sharing yours with others, 2016 will be your year of personal empowerment and accomplishment!