Setting Goals
People who set goals and write them down are more successful.
14% of people who have goals are 10 times more successful than those without goals. The 3% of the 14% who write down their goals are 3 times more successful.
It’s a new year. Another fresh start. Another chance to set goals, change the direction of your life, or to decide, “I like where I’m going, let’s buckle down and do even more.” All these paths require active commitment.
Like many of you, I set goals for myself at the beginning of each new year. I tend not to do the ‘exercise more/eat better’ types of goals but the larger, more nebulous ‘’what is the meaning of my life” goals. I write them down, stick them in my desk drawer, and generally forget about them. At the end of the year, I pull out the paper and evaluate how those goals influenced my decisions and behavior during the year. I’ve learned that being clear on who I am and what I want to accomplish works. It’s powerful.
I’ve also learned that if I’m not clear, if I’m wishy-washy, or if I set the goal low, that comes back to me as well. Definitely a case of “be careful what you wish for, you might get it.”
Words matter. Taking the time to be exquisitely clear on your goals is worth the effort.
Several years ago I wrote my personal manifesto as part of one of Rochelle Moulton’s excellent courses. Each of us has a deeply held belief system. Of course. It’s not that I didn’t act within that belief system before, but the very process of thinking through what I believe, writing it down, and nailing my colors to the mast, changed my decisions and actions going forward. I created a more effective framework for setting goals. Or more artistically described, I saw the light, my personal light.
After 15 years in the drowning prevention field, I’m shifting my focus to teaching activists how to be more effective - whether individuals or organizations. This isn’t new, it’s just a different manifestation of my deeply held belief system, all of which revolves around change for social good. I’m proud of how I’ve contributed the last 15 years. It’s less leaving the drowning prevention field, because I plan on always being part of that community and cause, it’s more about taking the next big step forward in applying my skills, in constantly work towards acting on my beliefs, keeping the big picture in focus.
George Eliot said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” I’ll add the caveat that, as with any change, it takes intention and action.
What will you be in 2023?
p.s. I went back and forth about whether to share my manifesto. I decided ‘no’, because I didn’t want to send the impression that goal-setting is a competitive activity with relative value attached, but if you are interested in what drives me, just email me at rebecca@rebeccawearrobinson.com and I’ll send them along.