As we embark on a new year, it’s natural to think about what we want to achieve and how we can be better than we were last year. Some of you know that I’m not too big on New Year’s Resolutions. But I AM big on goals! They help me grow both myself and my businesses. And it’s not just me – people like Oprah Winfrey, Ariana Huffington, Tony Robbins, and many others have attributed their success to setting clear and ambitious goals. So let’s talk about the benefits.
Why Set a Goal to Be Better Than Last Year?
I find that setting a goal to be better than last year is a powerful way to focus your energy, stay motivated, and make progress towards your desired outcome. So I wanted to share some knowledge with you. But what does it mean to be “better than last year”? It could mean improving your health, your relationships, your career, or any other area of your life that matters to you. It could mean learning a new skill, achieving a personal or professional milestone, or simply living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Whatever your specific goal may be, the key is to set a clear and measurable target that will push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow.
The Benefits of Concrete and Measurable Goals
If you make your goals concrete and clear, it will make reaching them easier in three ways:
1. Eyes on the Prize
2. To Find, You Must Search
When your goals are clear, you get the benefits of a psychological principle called priming. Have you ever noticed that when you get a new car, you suddenly start seeing that type of car everywhere? This is priming. It’s like a filter setting in your brain. It makes you notice things (or even change behavior) related to the concept you’re primed on. And this helps you recognize the opportunities to reach your goal. Once you’ve set them, you will recognize many things you maybe didn’t see before.
3. What Gets Measured Gets Managed
When you start measuring your progress, these goals can be like a compass. When you know what you aim for, it’s easy to see if you’re on track or off. If you’re off-track, I have a big hint: don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. It’s quite normal to be off course for some time. The trick is to adjust and continue. But that’s a topic for another time! The strength of measuring is that you get a sense of whether what you’re doing is helping you move in the right direction.
So as you enter the new year, consider setting some concrete goals that will make your life better than last year. It’s a powerful way to focus your energy, stay motivated, and make progress towards your desired outcome. With clear and measurable goals, you’ll be well on your way to an awesome year!
P.S. If you are serious about growth and want to get even more out of it: set goals that make you stretch just beyond your comfort zone. You will see insane results ;).