Hindsight in 2020
Here’s a fun fact: eight percent of people will achieve their New Year’s goals, which means 92 percent of us will fall short.
Why do so many of us give up, and so quickly?
More importantly, how do we make sure to stay on track and meet the goals we set for ourselves?
For the longest time, I had many dreams, but eventually I realized that dreams happen when we’re asleep.
It was time to wake up.
Waking up meant acknowledging my role in allowing my own self-sabotaging behaviors to take control of my life. I had to be willing to admit that I was responsible for my choices and I could be the landlord of my own mind.
I used hindsight to gather insight on the foresight required to make this past year a successful one. It worked.
Here’s how I became part of the eight percent:
Commitment and Accountability
I set myself up for commitment.
If you are setting goals, that means you have a growth mindset and want to achieve change. That’s a great start, but it doesn’t suddenly give you accountability for your new goal. For example, if you want to lose a few pounds you might join a gym or begin an exercise program, but who is holding you accountable to consistently follow through? What specific action steps must be implemented into your schedule to move toward your intended goal? Getting a membership at the gym can help, but if you aren’t clear on how and when you will use the membership, you might end up losing money, not weight.
Here are a couple of the methods I’ve used successfully:
1. SMART Goals
The SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based) formula is a research-supported method that has been widely used in schools and corporations to improve productivity and time management. For example, if I want to become more productive this year, this is how I would use the SMART formula:
• Specific: I want to get through my daily task list.
• Measurable: For the next 21 days, I will keep a daily log of my activities.
• Attainable: I will aim to review the log in the evening before I go to bed.
• Realistic: I will hold myself accountable for the things I believe I am capable of doing, and focus on doing the best I can with the time I have.
• Time-based: I will start on 01/06/2020 and end on 1/26/2020.
2. Accountability
Once you set your SMART goals, find someone to hold you accountable. According to research, we are more likely to stick with a plan if we have an “accountability partner.” This really works great if you tend to do well with external structure (i.e. deadlines). An accountability partner can be a friend, work colleague, or even your child (if they are old enough). You’d be surprised at how much some kids enjoy holding their parents accountable, especially when they know their parents won’t want to let them down.
3. Check-in
Hindsight can offer the best insight. If you keep track of how you are managing your goals, you are likely to recognize where you fall short and what you need to change. Keep a daily log of the things you did (and didn’t do) and decide what you want to change for tomorrow.
For the longest time I had goals I wanted to achieve, but when it came to taking action, I felt stuck. That is, until this past year. Using these tools and some other research-backed methods for improving time management, I accomplished things I never thought possible. I published my first book, wrote and produced three songs, completed my coaching license, launched my website, and—despite having more on my plate than ever before—I managed to find more time to do the things I enjoy and be more present as a mother and wife.
I did this by creating a personal accountability journal with all the things I felt were most important in helping me maximize my day. I did this with the intention of living more intentionally and meaningfully.
