Goal Setting
Hello friends!
And just like that, October rolled in with pumpkin spice lattes and lower temperatures (even in Texas! Relatively speaking of course, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here). Fall is comfortably nestled between the excitement of the summer and the busyness of the holidays and is an ideal time for introspection, to assess where we stand and to start planning for what’s to come in the year ahead. That’s why we want to draw your attention to the topic of Goal Setting, one that we should revisit regularly but especially at this time.
First things first: if the word “goal” makes you anxious, call it “things I want to do” and go ahead and make them happen! If you need help defining those things or figuring out a path to achieve them, that’s what we’re here for so let’s talk!
Why set goals? Goals give you something to drive to: if you don’t know where you’re going you’re standing still. Goals reflect something that instills a fire in you, that you’re passionate about but they’re also something you set in the moment, and just as moments change, so should your goals. Remember: you are not in a growth mindset if you don’t adjust your goals over time. That's why it’s key to revisit them from time to time and adjust as needed.
How to set goals? There’s no magic formula to setting the right goals for yourself but here are a couple of useful things to consider when going about it:
Set long term goals that are ambitious and specific: Dream big! Don’t limit yourself. They might look impossible right now but when the “why” is strong enough, you’ll find the “how” (and we’re here to help you!).
Set short term (1 month - 3 month) goals that follow the classic SMRT theory (Specific, Measurable, Relevant, Timebound) and that can get you on your way to achieving your loftier long term goals. (Achievable was left out for a reason - if you want it, make it happen).
Set goals that are relevant to you, even if they’re unique: No matter what others think, to have a chance at success your goals must follow YOUR passions, not society’s. If your “why” is big enough, you can set the path to get there. “Because I want it” is also a perfectly acceptable explanation, even if it doesn’t make sense to others; as long as you’re passionate about it, that’s all you need to be on your way to making it happen.
Ask for help: This life doesn’t need to be a one person show, put your goals out in the universe. You will get there faster if the people around you know where you’re headed. You never know who can help you move more quickly along a path, overcome challenges or make fast-forwarding suggestions along the way.
Look at the big picture: Are those goals consistent with your principles, values and passions? If achieving a goal doesn’t bring happiness, move on and choose a new one! Also, don’t focus only on financial goals, make room for other life goals.
Be flexible: Setting goals is great but the bigger process is understanding that the goals you set for yourself today may not be the right goals for you in the future. This is where psychological flexibility makes all the difference: have a plan but be flexible on your approach so that you can assess that goal and be able to adjust course when needed.
Be brave: Shoot for the stars, and when necessary, be willing to admit that something you thought was important is no longer working and to adjust course. This will very likely require you to make difficult decisions. Be brave enough to pursue goals that make you happy. Remember that other’s expectations and advice is just that. It’s based on their perspective and lens. Listen and consider it. Are there nuggets you can pull out or a perspective you haven’t considered? Then be brave. Life is too short and messy to not feel good about where you’re at. The important thing is to be a good human, a good friend, a good partner. The rest will work itself out.
What happens if your partner is not on the same page? Negotiate and find a common ground together. If you can’t get there alone, find a third party who can help you both set a path forward. Be willing to have conversations, hear feedback and remain open-minded.
Time to assess: Where are you in your journey to achieving your goals today?
Are you on track? Great! Keep it up.
You’re ahead? Congrats! Now ask yourself if it’s time to set new -more ambitious- ones.
Have you fallen dramatically behind? Don’t beat yourself up for it and instead ask yourself how you can get back on track or whether it was the right goal for you to begin with. Maybe you need to recruit some help to get you there or maybe you need to let it go and make a new one!
Did your goals get lost while you were running in the hamster wheel of daily life and you need to set new ones?
All progress starts by telling the truth - Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Ready to assess your goals or set new ones? Go for it! And if you need help with any of the steps, we are here for you.
P.S: For a list of useful resources on this topic, here are a few of our favorites
10X is Easier Than 2X by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan
Money and the Law of Attraction by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
You’ll notice that none of these are the typical recommendations. Finances are so personal. You can find tips and ideas on how to do something, but they don’t always apply to everyone, and can even be unhelpful information under certain conditions. I would rather give tools to help you think strategically and make real changes based on what you want. Change starts from the inside, knowing thyself creates the ripples to do everything else!