Don't Overlook This Aspect of Goal Setting
This time of year, many of us are setting goals for the new year.
An effective goal-setting process can really set you up for success. Projecting what you want to accomplish in the new year is a great way to set intentions that move you and your business in the direction you want to go.
But it’s easy to overlook a vital aspect of the goal-setting process that is exceptionally important, but often neglected – reflection.
Reflection means to give serious thought or consideration to something.
Reflecting on the events of the past year is an effective way to acknowledge and celebrate accomplishments, to learn from things that didn’t go as planned, and to put a priority on what is most important for success as you move forward.
Here are some questions in three categories to assist you and your team in the reflection process:
What Went Well
What accomplishments were most significant to us this year? What made them significant?
What did we do exceptionally well that allowed us to achieve the accomplishments?
What did we learn about ourselves as a result of the accomplishment?
What Didn't Go as Planned
What initiatives or goals that we intended to accomplish this year did not go as planned?
What did we learn from the process? What did we learn from the outcome?
What would we do differently as a result of what we learned?
What Will We Do Differently
How relevant were our goals based on the events of the year?
Based on the events of the past year, what are our biggest priorities for the new year?
What evaluation process will we use during the new year to ensure that the goals we set remain relevant for us?
A 2014 paper published by Harvard Business School confirms that work performance improves when reflection – and not just doing – is part of the process. I believe the same can be said when we focus on goal setting.
An effective goal-setting process begins with reflecting first on where you’ve been – and then on where you want to go.
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” Peter Drucker
Best wishes to you all for a prosperous New Year!
If I can assist you with your goal-setting process, please contact me at gayle@total-life-leadership.com.
