Like many of you, I set ambitious goals for my business, career, and personal life last year. As we approach mid-January 2024, I took a moment to review and assess my progress. In sharing my reflections, I hope to offer insights gained from this reprocess.
The Main Goal: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Time-Bound
Setting a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound is crucial. However, sometimes the journey doesn't unfold as expected. A goal I had was that I aimed to consistently shoot in the mid-80s in golf, but my score of 95 left me frustrated and disappointed. If you're facing similar feelings about your goals, don't get discouraged. Growth often involves setbacks before progress.
5 Lessons I Learned from Not Meeting My Goal:
Development Reflection: I Changed My Tools.
As I pursued improvement in my golf game, I encountered advice to upgrade my equipment. Reflecting on this, I realized that development takes time, and planning is essential. Allow yourself the grace to navigate through the inevitable time lag in achieving your expectations.I Received Some Coaching.
Improvement often requires guidance. Coaching, whether formal or informal, provides new ideas, practices, and accountability. When was the last time you sought feedback and embraced new approaches in your development journey?I Did Not Practice Regularly Enough.
Prioritizing practice is key to improvement. Busy months led me to neglect my golf practice, hindering my progress. If development is not a natural strength of yours, regular practice is essential. Consider the expectations you have for yourself and the importance of prioritizing your development.Practicing Extremes.
Distinguishing between practice and game time is crucial. I learned that taking extreme practice sessions into the game can yield different results. Finding the right balance between challenging practice and consistent performance is essential for sustainable growth.Failure As Learning.
Failure isn't the end; it's just a part of the learning process. While I still haven't hit my golf target yet, the journey has equipped me with the right tools, coaching, and mindset for a breakthrough. How do you view goals when facing setbacks? Optimism is a valuable skill in responding to challenges.Embrace Progress, Embrace Grace
As we step into this new year, take a moment to revisit your development goals. Be honest in your review, and remember, it's never too late to give yourself grace and restart your progress. See you at the top!