Setting Meaningful Goals and What Makes The Difference

Happy New Year!

One thing I have learned over the years is that it's important to do what feels right for me -- and for you to do what feels right for you.

Especially this time of year. With conflicting advice out there about resolutions and goal-setting or what to focus on, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

Or caught up in declaring New Year's resolutions without really taking the time to figure out what you really want.

The value of any advice or goal depends on where you're at in your life and what feels right for you. Not what you think you SHOULD be doing.

(I recognize the irony that I'm giving you more advice – my point is if it feels right for you, pay attention, and if not, don’t force it).

For me, the start of a new year is a time for fresh starts and renewed energy, while reflecting on the lessons.

But here’s something I have noticed about myself: setting goals for the year feels like pressure.

I often don’t hit my ambitious goals in the timing I set, or I fall into the trap of tying my happiness and self-worth to hitting a goal.

And if I am not careful, I can add unnecessary stress on myself by putting too much pressure or overcommitting (yes, I still do this at times).

So, while goals are helpful for guiding our choices and direction, it's even more helpful to focus on who we want to become and THEN take small, consistent actions to get there.

Most people set goals and actions, without taking the time to consider who they want to be or what REALLY matters to them.

This means considering YOUR values, aspirations, the beliefs you want to embody, and then setting your goals and smaller, daily habits that will get you there.

It’s those small, daily actions that will lead to big breakthroughs and results, because they are both practical and aligned with the person you truly want to be.

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become." - James Clear

You can enjoy and celebrate the smaller wins and actions you’re taking each day, rather than putting off your happiness or feeling pressure until you may or may not hit that "big" end goal.

Always working from your desired end in mind. Getting closer to who you really are. Letting go of who you no longer want to be. One step at a time.

And NOT letting what other people expect of you or what you see on social media or other external influences steer you off course.

So, as you head into 2024, before you set goals and New Year resolutions, take some time to reflect on these questions if you haven't already . . .

What are your values and aspirations? How do you want to live and show up in your life? Who do you want to be as a leader?

What REALLY matters to you and where do you want to experience meaningful growth (so that you're not in the same place this time next year)? 

What are you no longer willing to settle for?

Now, working from that vision . . .

What are the small daily actions or goals you can set that reflect who you want to be and aligned with your vision?

What would your future self tell you to do NOW?

And, just as important, what do you need to LET GO of as you start this new year that you no longer have room for?

When you take this approach, you are far more likely to hit your bigger goals and aspirations (and can take the pressure off).

Because you are focusing on how to get a little bit better or a little bit further along each day. Taking action from a place that is truly aligned with what matters to you and who you want to be.

This is what I will be focusing on as I grow my business in 2024 AND continue to be balanced in my life.

One bigger goal for me this year is to publish a book by summer (which is both exciting and kinda scary). One thing I am letting go of as I head into this new year are the bigger doubts that just slow me down.

Always keeping my values, personal time and being present in my life front and center.

Taking one step at a time and getting a little bit better each day.

When I can focus on the small daily actions, instead of the bigger end goals, it feels way more manageable and less pressure.

So, how about you?

If one of your goals for 2024 is to create more balance in your life so you can work less, live more and be your best both at work and in your personal life, let’s see if The Balanced Leader™ program is right for you.

In the program, we go deep into your values and who you want to be, set boundaries to protect your time and energy, get clear on your real priorities . . .

Say no with more confidence and less guilt, calm your busy mind and be more present, feel confident in your choices and more.

Focusing on small actions to get there. Working from your desired end in mind!

If this is sounds aligned for you, book a call here and we can see if it is right for you.

Wishing you a great start to the year and all the best for a happier, more balanced and successful 2024!

What Next?

You can sign up for Stacey's masterclass, The Confident "No" here.

Stacey L. Olson is a Leadership and Certified Positive Psychology Coach, has 15 years of corporate experience and has gone through her own transformational change from burning out to balanced in life while performing at a high level (both in her corporate career and own business). She works with professionals who want to work less, live more and be their best even with all the demands, high expectations and messiness of everyday life. Stacey is the founder of The Balanced Leader™ program and offers executive and leadership coaching, workshops, and speaking.