Goal digging
This time of year lends itself to being reflective: being not only grateful for the amazing things that happened in the last year, but also critical of oneself for one’s shortcomings.
I had to complete my year-end self-evaluation for work, but for the first time in my professional history, I was also asked to set my own goals for the upcoming year. Of course, the division president needs to review and edit to make sure we’re in alignment, but I appreciated verbalizing the goals (as well as behaviors and development opportunities) for future me after beating up present/past me.
This introspection got me thinking about resolutions and goals. Why do I do well with goals and fail at resolutions?
“Do or do not do. There is no try.”
The force is weak in this one, but the will is strong. According to the internet (Time Magazine, ABC News, etc.) about 80% of Americans give up on their resolutions by February and only 8% see their resolution through the end of the year. There must be something wrong with resolutions, in general, it’s not just my personal shortcoming.
In structured settings, goals are written in SMART format: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. I get constant feedback on my progress towards goals. Weekly or bi-weekly check ins, mid-year reviews, etc. Tons of accountability.
If one tactic doesn’t work, pivot. If a goal is no longer relevant, change the goal. If something more important comes up, add a goal. If a goal is complete or irrelevant, move on to something else.
Resolutions are prescriptive and often restrictive: stop doing this, do this five times a week, lose X lbs., read X# of books. We don’t tell ourselves how we’re going to accomplish these tasks. We rely on ourselves for accountability and once we slip up one too many times, we give up.
We’re setting ourselves up to fail.
Thinking back to the goal-setting exercise at work, I started reading up on whether setting goals in a more workplace-like structure would be more effective. Sure enough, the National Institute of Health had a research study that seems to affirm my suspicions. SMART goals and accountability are key to successful “resolutions.”
I really liked the format at work: three or four goals, two behaviors, and up to three development/learning opportunities. I ordered a goal-setting journal to help organize my weekly foci and progress. I put in a Google reminder to check in weekly with my journal and set up a mid-year for myself to check and adjust.
Talking about this in abstract has probably bored the two people who have read this to tears already, so I’ll get to the point and list my own 2024 personal development plan.
Goals
Lose weight (yes, I have a number, no I’m not putting it on the internet): I will do this by limiting my wine consumption, increasing movement, and eating a more balanced diet.
Organize and declutter the house: I will do this by setting a decluttering prioritization matrix for the house and tackle each zone, setting aside a realistic amount of time for each task, in a systematic way. As I revisit zones during daily activities, I will return it to its organized condition if it has become disorganized or re-cluttered.
Read at least 12 books: I love reading, I’ve just gotten out of the habit. Instead of watching TV until bedtime, I will set a reminder to go to bed at 10pm every night, even if I’m not tired, and read until I’m tired. Instead of watching videos or playing phone games while waiting for things like appointments or sitting on a plane, I will make sure my Kindle and phone are synced with my current book.
Complete full “scheduled” maintenance cycle: I will take an inventory of all recommended maintenance activities from doctors appointments to vehicle and household maintenance and set appointments and reminders for all activities to ensure I'm not falling behind on things like mammograms (I forgot in 2023, but know it's important even without a family history of or genetic predisposition for breast cancer).
Behaviors
Avoid unnecessary confrontation and be a better active listener: avoid social media posts that trigger me and when people verbally say things I do not agree with, ask them to tell me which experiences led them to that belief/conclusion. 2024 is going to be a ROUGH year with the elections.
Do more of the things that give me energy and less of those that drain it: I’m a people pleaser and I hate saying “no,” but there are lots of things that I feel I should do that I really don’t need to do. This comes at the expense of spending time doing things that give me energy like spending more time with friends, family, and hobbies.
Development goals
Improve my vocal technique: I will set aside time to practice for 30 minutes every day (giving myself grace if it does not happen).
Learn more about finance: take online MOOC courses and courses available through work so I am more financially competent.
That’s a lot, but all my goals are SMART, my behaviors are things I want to do to increase my personal satisfaction, and my development goals are things I really want to learn/improve. If I can keep accountable to blogging, I’ll check in at mid-year.
Happy new year!