What’s Next in this Year of Uncertainty?
Well, we made it around ‘Go’ once again on this monopoly game of life. Now what?
Do we continue to do same thing we did last year or do we really define what is important to us and make a plan to live more fully in that realm?
These are the questions I am asking myself in the midst of the pandemic’s fifth wave. It’s crazy that we are still talking pandemic, but here we are… I am grateful for the booster shot I recently had and the rapid tests that allowed me to gather with my family. When you think about the current situation, it is amazing what humankind can do when the resources and time pressures are added to develop a solution, e.g. vaccines, to eliminate a threat.
Just imagine what could be done if we applied these same conditions (added resources and time pressures) to other g
lobal problems.
But I digress. What I would really like to talk about is figuring out the “why” of what we do, either in our personal lives or within our organizations.
Getting to The Why of What You Actually Want to Achieve
What Is Your Intent?
This time of year is big for new year’s resolutions. Mine are usually exercise more, eat healthy or make goals for the year. Last year, I had on my to do list to revamp my business model and website. I have to admit that this item was never checked off.
You know the story; you get busy with projects and work and there is just not enough hours in the day. But in reality, that is just an excuse.
What the real issue tends to be is finding something that excites me to want to move forward.
You may relate to this, you have a good life, work is good and you are in a happy relationship. But sometimes you wonder if there isn’t something more?
So How Do You Make a Change This Year that Sticks?
If you recall the old saying, that the definition of insanity is:
“Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”
So instead of repeating the same thing over again this year, What would you do differently?
I recently read, How to Begin, by Michael Bungay Stanier. And he stated the key to making positive changes is to set a worthy goal.
So, what is a worthy goal?
According to Michael, it contains 3 elements: Thrilling, Important and Daunting.
1. Thrilling
Thrilling is something that excites you when you think about it. What would get you up in the morning to be able spend time on this goal you hope to achieve? Another way to look at it, is what makes you smile just thinking about achieving this outcome?
You may hear yourself saying: “I always wanted to do this, but I didn’t think I had the (fill in the blank – courage, money, time, etc.)
2. Important
Important relates to do something that has an impact outside of your needs and wants. How can you make the world a better place?
It does not have to be a huge thing, but what can you do in your sphere of influence, i.e. in your community, workplace, family, etc., to contribute in some way? The closer you can get to your core values, the more motivated you will be to keep pursuing your goals.
3. Daunting
Daunting relates to a goal bigger than your current reality.
For example, what is the one thing that you thought was out of reach? Or something you thought was too hard and you currently do not know how to reach this goal? It is beyond your comfort zone, but it gives your adrenaline a rush (Thrilling category). You may need to learn new skills to be able to achieve this goal.
The goal is worthy if it has all 3 attributes.
Stanier also goes onto say, that if the goal only has 2 of the 3 attributes it will not quite meet the mark. For example:
Important and Daunting, But Not Thrilling
If the goal does not thrill you personally, it will become a sense of obligation or duty for you to complete.
Thrilling and Daunting, but Not Important
If the goal is not important, you may become lost as it becomes more about you than what you can give back. It becomes too easy to quit as nobody else is relying on you.
Thrilling and Important, But Not Daunting
If the goal is not daunting, you are in your comfort zone. There is a real possibility that you may stall out here.
You want to set goals that scare you a little and stretch you beyond your current capabilities. This will give you energy and light the fire within. We have limited time on this planet, so lets get out there and enjoy our lives!
I’ll end this note with a quote,
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman
May your year be filled with good health, happiness and inspiration.
Best Wishes for 2022!
