Our Top Goals Are Also Our Common Disappointments
If I were to ask you right now, point blank, what are your personal disappointments from the last year, could you easily list them? Most people can.
The foundation of much of my work is a planning and implementation system called Best Year Yet. The initial planning session is a ten-question process resulting in a one-page plan for the next year. One of the questions requires participants to make note of disappointments over the past twelve months.
Most often, the list of disappointments is written quickly and with little challenge. Individuals are almost never hard-pressed to remember what they didn’t do well, who or what disappointed them, or the mistakes they made. With hundreds and hundreds of individuals having participated in this process with me, there have been recurring themes in the disappointments listed. These disappointments just happen to correspond to top goals.
When it comes to the disappointments that are common among us, it’s rare for an individual not to have listed something about health and fitness. Disappointments range from “I gained 20 pounds,” to “I didn’t work out” and everything in between.
Is one of your top goals around money?
Another common theme is around money. Usually it’s not making enough, not saving enough, or spending too much. The third area in which most participants voice dissatisfaction is time spent with loved ones. It’s never enough.
Looking back over this past year, do you share these common disappointments? If so, know that you’re not alone. At the same time, it’s high time to do something about it. Easier said than done, but no excuses. Are you willing to take the necessary steps?
Most challenges such as this are best handled one step at a time. First gain a complete understanding of your current scenario, including what’s going on in your head. What are your limiting beliefs about this situation? Start by asking yourself some questions. Here are some examples to help you get started:
~~What is it that prevents me from making and keeping an appointment with myself to go to the gym?
~~How would I feel if I lost those twenty pounds?
~~What’s in it for me if I improve my fitness level?
~~What’s in it for my friends and family if I improve my fitness level?
~~What do I want to accomplish in terms of my health?
~~What is it that I’m allowing to get in the way?
Armed with a complete understanding of the situation as it now exists and the limits you’ve placed on yourself, next imagine the scenario you’d prefer. Take a few minutes, close your eyes and daydream. Perhaps you’re visioning yourself in the best shape of your life. What does it feel like? What does it look like?
You’re now ready to set the goals that will help to make your vision a reality. First make sure your goals are specific and measurable, and then break them down into action items.
Finally, the last step is about doing. Commit to your action steps. Need to be held accountable? Share your goals with someone who cares and ask them to check with you on a weekly basis to see how you’re doing.
What top goal do you want to ace this year? What common disappointment do you want to cross off your list once and for all? Is it about health and fitness, money, spending time with loved ones? Select one and get started today.
