The Impact of Setting Great Goals

January 14, 2022 - 2 min read - by Sarah Happel, MS, MCC

“Without dreams and goals there is no living, only merely existing, and that is not why we are here.” Mark Twain

Happy New Year Spectrum Community! We are excited for all that is on the horizon in 2022, most importantly supporting all of you with top leadership insights from our work together. What possibilities are you most excited about this year? In working with clients, we frequently get asked “How do I set and achieve impactful goals?” Our answer is simple. Choose to work with something you are passionate about. We see too many clients struggle with goal setting because 1) they are assigned something they aren’t actually interested in, 2) they are trying to achieve too many goals at once or 3) their goals are too complicated. Don’t get caught up in what you think you “should” be setting as a goal. Instead, select meaningful work for you and your team. You should have energy around working with something you actually want – not something you dislike, are bad at, or aren’t known for. Make the goal yours, something you are excited to try, improve or change. Start with these reflections:

  • What do you really want?

  • If you got it, what will you have?

  • What will you be celebrating at this time next year?

  • What should you let go of to make space for something different?

Once you identify what’s most important, consider the following format:

  1. Outline how to achieve your goal detailing steps, tools and people who can support you. SMART goals are a great resource.

  2. Set daily intentions and practice in routine meetings, conversations and relationships.

  3. Reflect regularly throughout your journey. Where are you progressing? How does your work align with your values? Is anything getting in your way?

  4. Pivot as often as needed. Change course and make modifications to your outline. Keep it light and stress-free.

  5. Celebrate milestones both big and small along the way. Remember, goals don’t have to be cumbersome to be powerful.

Here are articles we found helpful on the topic: How to Set Professional Goals and Plan Out Your Career Get Better at Setting Goals: Our Favorite Reads Don’t Bog Yourself Down with Too Many Goals If you would like to receive impactful leadership tips and tools in the coming months, be sure to join our email list. Thank you for being on this journey with us. Spectrum Leadership Solutions Team