Reframing goal setting in unusual times

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Today our guest blogger Karen Muir talks about the new rules of goal setting, taking into account the new and uncertain circumstances that surround us.
Goals 260120

On this occasion, we have a guest blogger Karen Muir, Karen is a “Gallup Certified Strengths Coach“. He has worked in education for 30 years in school leadership, training and coaching, specifically in East Midlands schools, delivering high-quality training programs to build engaged teams and increase staff retention and satisfaction. I leave your post and I hope you like it.

As we begin 2021, we have returned to full lockdown in the UK. This brings with it the uncertainty and rapid change (that we had so dearly hoped was behind us). In English schools and colleges many pupils are again accessing home learning in its many forms. Educators were required to dramatically switch plan at the last minute and have done so with grace, professionalism, and creativity, just as we knew they would.

As I work with my education clients this month, we touch on subjects such as uncertainty, overwhelm and challenge. The traditional goal setting nature of January seems to no longer be fit for purpose. New year, new you. And yet…? What if we reframe the process? What can be salvaged from the process that had stood us in good stead for so long? What if we face the fact that last January, we couldn’t predict what was ahead of us either we just didn’t know it? What if, in these troubled times there could be room for growth, joy and progress? What if developing the current you rather than a new you could be the way to go?

Firstly, I have no wish to dimmish the struggle and the challenge. This is not an attempt to look away from the tragedy and roll everything in glitter.. Let’s deliberately sow the seeds for this growth so that they can flourish even in the storms around us.  

On Jan 1st 2021 I wrote traditional goals as I have for many years and was left feeling pressured and demotivated. The process had not helped me help get excited about myself progress and future, which was always my understanding of the purpose of goal setting. As I reflected on my reactions, I realized that what I was really trying to do was to control the uncontrollable. What if I was focused on the wrong things, things I knew that I could not control. I threw the list away and started again.

I recalled hearing so often from many sources that we are human beings, not human doings. How do I want to be this year? As I began again, I focused on the many things that I could control and influence. My responses, habits and attitudes. In time I was left with goals that excite, motivate and regenerate me.

As I took this refresh into my coaching practice my clients delighted and impressed me daily as they always do. I began to hear the most inspiring and uplifting goals from these creative and dedicated professionals. Goals that acknowledge the situation but drive forward on mission anyway.

  • Be open to new opportunities
  • Remain curious
  • Notice the positives every day, not just the challenge
  • Acknowledge the learning that these extraordinary circumstances bring
  • Spot the potential and progress in others
  • Find a new way

We worked together to make these goals SMART and powerful which was surprisingly easy once we realized that we needed to let go of where we thought that we “should” be. So often we looped back to statements like, “if all this hadn’t happened then things should look like this. We need to chase this.” Interesting to voice these aloud and see them for what they are. Unrealistic and out of date. Old news.

So instead we focused on our mission. If we are clear about our purpose and we start from where we are rather than where we would like to be then the mist starts to lift. We see the next few steps if not the destination.  We realize that our tool kit is different now. Curiosity, resilience and compassion are even more important, both for ourselves and for others. How do you stay curious in a rapidly changing situation? How do we stop ourselves reverting to judgement and unrealistic expectations?

Of course, the answer to these questions is as individual as the goals themselves. For many it is about movement and nature, for others stillness and rest. The shift from doing to being and a focus on positive daily habits to ensure that we are ready for the growth opportunities around us also helps. The acknowledgement that we are explorers in uncharted territory can often lift the pressure that perfectionism and previous success can bring.

So as we work together I am seeing that goal setting does and possibly should look different in 2021 but that it has lost none of its relevance and none of its inspirational power. It simply needed a sprinkling of compassion, resilience and excitement.

I wish you health and wisdom in 2021, and happy goal setting.

Karen Muir, PCC

Xavi Roca

I am Talentist, I help organizations, managers and professionals to achieve high performance through enhancing their leadership and personal brand. I am passionate about leadership, high performance team management and Personal Branding, and I have dedicated my professional career to helping companies and professionals develop and enhance their talents and strengths to achieve their maximum development and performance.

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