What is the difference between setting a goal and a New Year’s resolution?
No, this is not a joke from a Christmas cracker but a real life and serious question!
Traditionally, we make New Year’s resolutions at this time of year and employees, teams, businesses and organisations are busy drafting and articulating their goals and strategy for the coming year. The two methodologies and outcomes are in reality very different to each other.
To answer this question we have made this simple...
What is a goal?
A clear aim or objective towards which an endeavour is directed, and towards which we channel our effort and energy.
A longer term destination and big picture focus.
A positive statement of intent that is informed, made with commitment and followed through with action.
A vision that motivates us to achieve sustainable + transformational change and results.
A driver that keeps on track not to drift and to stay in control of our progress.
What is a New Year’s resolution?
A firm decision made on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day to do, or refrain from doing, something over the course of the coming year.
A commitment that focuses on the short-term - usually less than 12 months.
A statement that is formulated in the negative.
An idea that does not achieve sustainable + transformational change and results.
95% of New Year’s resolutions are broken by the end of January!
What happens if we don’t articulate goals or even have them?
Put simply, we drift. We don’t achieve and we don’t tap into our potential.
You can’t hit a target you cannot see, and you cannot see a target you do not have. - Zig Ziglar
Have you ever played darts?
If yes, then have you ever played darts blind folded?
I would be interested in your answer for different reasons... If you can’t see the bull’s eye or target (or the goal) how are you going to achieve it?
With a clear line of sight, and with the target in focus, you'll achieve your goals and move towards your destination, your purpose and your meaning in life.
A goal without a date is a wish. A dream with a date is a goal. - Jo Breen
Why set goals?
They give us direction.
They give us a sense of purpose.
They give us a longer-term plan.
They are based on what you want your life to look and feel like in the longer term.
They empower and enable us to move from where we are now to where we want to be.
They make dreams a reality.
The abundant benefits of goal setting
Setting goals is linked to higher achievement - Renowned studies and research have proven that goal setting unlocks potential, performance and achievement. Psychologist, Gail Matthew, has shown through her extensive research that a minimum of 33% potential, performance, achievement and success is unlocked through goal setting. If goals are not set or recorded then performance and capacity are significantly reduced.
Sets direction and expectations – Setting goals sets a clear path of where you want your team, business or organisation to go.
Connection, mission, purpose and our why - Goal setting as a team gives everyone the opportunity to see the bigger picture and to move towards it. Knowing the longer-term goals of a team, business and an organisation helps each team member perform in their role.
Be the CEO of your life - Setting goals is to actively acknowledge what you want out of life. It is the first step to take control.
Goal setting is the first step to a meaningful life - It allows us to take a step back, evaluate and get some perspective on what is important in life.
Don’t just daydream - Articulate your goals, write them down/record them and make them a reality.
We’d love to hear from you:
What will your goals be for this year and beyond?
How are you and your team doing with setting goals?
Do your colleagues and employees know what the business and organisational goals are?
Even just a quick comment will help you to start taking making progress.
Thank you for reading and adding your voice to the conversation.
Written by Joanna Breen
Joanna is a high-achieving senior leader with extensive experience in HR and Business Leadership across different industries and sectors. She advises executive & leadership teams at board level. Over the course of her 25 year career, she has made significant achievements in Business & HR Strategy, HR Operations & Shared Services, Transformational HR and HR Systems Implementation. She is a fully qualified and accredited Corporate, Executive, Leadership, Personal Performance, and Life Coach. Joanna has been coaching for more than 20 years.
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