Published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment section, December 20, 2007–January 3, 2008.
by Laura Smith Dunaief
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where -- ” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“—so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
- Lewis Carroll
This is the problem with most New Year’s Resolutions. We map a route, including difficult things we need to do to “improve” ourselves, trek along diligently for a short period of time (if at all), and then discard it, committing to start again next year. Or, if we actually reach our destination, we’re disappointed that the “somewhere” we end up doesn’t put us any closer to happiness or fulfillment.
How many of you have decided to “lose weight” or “get a new job” in the new year? It looks so easy on paper. But – as most of us know – accomplishing either of these and achieving meaningful results can be elusive.
So, what’s the alternative? Ditch the whole process as a worthless exercise? Not necessarily. By making a few critical changes, you can turn resolution-setting into a process to make true change in your life or career.
What’s Your Destination?
The first problem with these two resolutions is that neither is goal-oriented. Losing weight or getting a new job is rarely the real objective, so achievement of either won’t necessarily make you a better person - or even happier – on more than a temporary basis.
To set a goal, you need to decide what you’re trying to achieve. In the case of weight-loss, is it better health? If it’s a new job, is it a higher salary, different responsibilities, better hours?
And what is this ultimately expected to bring you? Think big-picture. How will this make your life better?
For the most effective goal-setting, start with the vision of what you want your life to be. Then compare that to where you are now. The gap between where you are in each dimension of your life and where you want to be becomes the hurdle.
For help with this process, a terrific resource is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey.
Plot Your Path
If your goal is to have more energy, and to get there you need to lose 25 pounds, it’s easy to measure success. But, if your goal is to enjoy your work and feel that you’re making a contribution, it’s harder to quantify the result.
Instead, you may need to develop qualifiable results. What will allow you to feel you’re making a contribution? What will you enjoy? How can you add more of it to your day-to-day? How will you know when you get there?
A Journey of a Thousand Miles…
Whether your goal is losing 25 pounds or getting a new job, it’s rarely achieved overnight. Both require a number of intricate steps. Steps that can be intimidating.
It will help to break the trip into smaller segments, setting interim destinations, each accompanied by the date you plan to arrive.
If you want to change your diet and to exercise more, steps may include finding a nutritionist, tracking what you eat, and developing a workout schedule.
If you want a new job, you may include steps like increasing your network, interviewing others in jobs that interest you, exploring job postings, and updating your resume.
Each step needs to be specific, written and accompanied by a deadline. One technique I’ve seen used effectively is to set an interim goal or task for every week of the journey. This spreads out the required steps, making it a continuous process with built-in successes along the way.
Post Your Map
Post the big goal and the interim steps (with deadlines) where you can see them often. There’s nothing like constant reminders to help keep you focused on the road ahead.
Take a Buddy Along
Whom can you ask to help you achieve your goals - someone who will encourage you to develop good habits? Do you know someone else trying to make a similar change? When you work together, you can support (and nudge) each other for success. If you feel you need expert guidance, maybe this person is a professional coach, who can act as a career “personal trainer.”
Assess, Tweak, and Celebrate!
Step back periodically to survey your progress and assess whether achievement of your smaller goals is moving you toward your big-picture objective. Don’t be afraid to re-map the route if your goal has changed, or if you find that a detour may help you gain a clearer picture.
And most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate your arrival at each interim destination and enjoy the view. You worked hard, and you deserve it!
Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.
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