On setting goals

I used to think that setting goals was a bit wanky. My default position being that whatever will happen will happen. However, one new years eve I found myself surrounded by friends sharing their new years resolution and I felt a bit left out so I made something up. The conversation went on to discuss last years resolution and whether or not they had been successful. I noticed they were discussing things a bit beyond giving up smoking or exercising more (although these did feature a little bit). I was fascinated by their talk of having goals and working toward them.

Through my uni degree I was forced to think about goal setting and where I wanted to take my career. I set up some goals with some things that I couldn't really relate to or I didn't think were really aligned with anything I was interested in, just because they sounded good or I thought they would be good goals to have. I never reached these goals, nor am I interested in reaching them now.

When I started working I was a little overwhelmed by the learning curve in my role and as part of my support in getting up to speed I engaged a mentor. My mentor tried the goal thing again, but this time with a bit of a twist. I was asked to think about how I would feel as I reached these goals and at what points I would determine whether I was on track or not. My goals started with one big one and then split up into categories and then down into smaller more achievable bits. This time the goals were very honest and very much aligned to exactly what I wanted to do.

I had set my goals for a reasonably long timeframe. Probably 18 months to two years (long compared to my attention span). Interestingly, I had succeded in all my goals that I had set within about 6 months. When I looked back at these goals I couldn't believe I had achieved them all and gotten to where I had in such a short time.

I did the natural step. I didn't set anymore. I didn't want to run the risk of not achieving these ones as well. Life went on pretty stagnant for another two years. At the start of this year I got out my goal setting sheet (the same one) and set some for this year (it was prompted by an executive at work asking if I had set them for this year yet... like obviously everyone does them...).

Turns out goal setting works well for me. It's September and all of the goals were set as a stretch goal or target. All of them have been achieved. Again. Well before I hoped they would be or right on time. This time instead of just ignoring the goal setting thing, I have set new ones immediately. I now realise that perhaps the first time wasn't a fluke and perhaps it's actually good for me.

I asked my friend what her goals were yesterday. Her response:
"um... well... I'm just going to poke around in the dark and see what's squishy. Probably stop for a bit and have a glass of wine and then go in for another poke".

It raised another question for me. Is the process of goal setting good for everyone and every personality type? and if not, then what other things do people do to be successful at realising their hopes and dreams...

Something to ponder.