How do you overcome uncertainty paralysis? How do you set goals when everything feels so up in the air?
Here's a handful of simple but powerful principles that can help you set the right goals and expectations for the year ahead.
A lot has changed since this time last year. If that includes your circumstances or needs, chances are your priorities have evolved too.
So take some time to reflect on your situation and how your priorities may look different this year. And remember, it's OK if they've changed significantly since 2020.
Refreshing your priorities can help you set goals that support them. It can also help you stay focused on ways to enjoy, improve, or preserve some of the most precious aspects of your life.
Traditionally, goals are driven by milestones or finish lines. And that can be a trap. It can cause us to anchor our sense of value to whether we achieve the outcome we want6 — and put us in a tailspin when we don't.7
Instead of tying goals to outcomes, root them in a process. Focus on the input and what you can do, not the output or external signals of "success" or "failure."
With process goals, it can be easier to track progress and keep a positive mindset along the way. And that can motivate you to continue working toward your goals — even when things feel up in the air.8
A theme is a guiding principle for action and decision making. It's less specific than a goal, and it's not framed around failure or success. Instead, it's like a beacon or inspiration rather than a finish line. It offers focus and drive without restrictions or deadlines.
Themes can be anything you value: relationships, healthy living, gratitude, or financial stability. They act as a "North Star" in uncertain times, illuminating the way forward without judgment or pressure.9
So, if goals feel too big right now, choose a theme. Commit to being mindful of your theme in your actions and choices. And think about small changes you can make to start incorporating that theme in your life.
We can't control everything the future brings, but we can control the goals we set for ourselves. And the best goals will be those we have control over. They should be goals that push us and make us reach, yet are still within our grasp. They should be reasonable and realistic.10
When they aren't, it's a recipe for stress and failure. It can create more barriers and challenges. And it can make us feel defeated or incapable simply because we aimed our sights on the wrong goals. We can avoid that by not hinging goals on external factors.
So, consider goals that you have full control over, like ones involving your behaviors, choices, or perspective. Prioritize the ones that are personally meaningful or bring you joy. It'll be easier to stay motivated in stressful and uncertain times if your goals bring you happiness.11
Most goals aren't achieved or missed in a single instant. They're usually accomplished or forsaken over time, after we've put effort in — or we've chosen not to — time and again. That means that we have a chance every day to work on our goals. And the more we embrace those opportunities, the more progress we will make.
So, don't wait until you have time for your goals. Time never just falls into our laps. There's always something ready to take it up. Dedicate time every day to working toward your goals.
Ideally, set a specific time when you'll be energized and focused. Make it part of your routine, and find a good way to make yourself accountable. Carving out time for your goals is the only way to be sure you have the time to make them happen.
When we can embrace uncertainty, we can learn more about ourselves.
My word for 2021 is "Speak". As in speak-up, or speak encouragement into people's lives. At a time when so many people are in need of hope and encouragement, a simple but not always easy way for me to bring hope is just to reach out. Sometimes a simple "Hi" on a walk or a phone call to let someone know I'm thinking about them, can make a huge difference. Being social, even while wearing a mask, is sometimes hard to do but often that is all that is needed to help someone feel better. When we speak up, we create change. We give a gift. Alternatively, just being available to listen while someone else speaks is a great way to help others feel loved and cared for.
What's your Word for the year ahead?
Thoughts? Drop me a line at eric@aquilawealth.com. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
~Eric
Eric Maldonado, CFP®, MBA Aquila Wealth Advisors
P.S. Feel welcome to forward this to a friend.
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