2021 Goals

Today is the first Monday in 2021, the year after 2020. It's time to set goals for this new year, the year that will be different to 2020. So let’s set goals - visionary and empowering ones.
We all know that all too often New Year Resolutions do not work or do not last. But why? One reason is that they arise from fanciful thinking, unrealistic ideals, and un-ecological processes. To counter-act this means setting explicit goals that come from clear thinking and understanding about goals and goal-setting, and about achieving what you truly want to achieve.

As you make your goals for 2021, how have you decided on them? Are they an external want or desire like career, money, a new car, time for holidays or are they intrinsic, like developing internal resources of resilience, confidence, self-esteem and competence? While all goals are important, they may not be equally important. And not all goals will, in themselves, deliver happiness and joy. So as you go about deciding on the goals for 2021, consider whether they are the means or the ends of the experience and outcome you value?

Whatever your goal is - be it intrinsic or external -, is your goal sustainable and are you ready to live and experience it? Because that is reason for setting a goal in the first place, isn’t it? As an example, when you decide that the goal is a new car, then the underlying idea is that you will drive that car for months and years. Or perhaps the goal is exercising. Are you ready to live that goal and exercise regularly? Typically, you will set goals and make decisions to improve and enhance your life. To test your decision and commitment to the goal, the question is: “Have you made it part of your lifestyle? Is it real and authentic or is it a pseudo-goal, that will make you look good amongst your peers and show that like ‘everyone’, you have new year resolutions.” And also, will the goal and commitment to it be liveable or will it lead to stress, unrealistic expectations and ultimately disappointment? Are they in line with your talents, skills, your lifestyle relationships?

If you're ready to set some visionary goals and follow your dreams in 2021, come on the adventure to achieve them.