See challenges as gifts
There are three ways to look at the challenges we face:
- A Gift of Knowledge
- A Gift of Strength
- A Gift of Inspiration
When we learn how to turn failures and setbacks into gifts, we approach them from a different perspective. We look back on them, not with anxiety and regret, but with appreciation.
Overcoming anxiety
2020 was supposed to be “the year of perfect vision”, but instead COVID completly dismantled almost everyone’s plans. I speak about how we all had to revise and adapt our goals.
I share some of the challenges I faced in building my business. I entered this with great fear and trepidation. My tendency to be hyper-vigilent causes me to jump to worse-case scenarios. In those early days of running my business I could easily jump from having a bad month to being afraid that I would lose my house! While in reality, the distance between those points, in the worst of circumstances, are miles and miles apart.
I also speak about the imporance of setting goals that are aligned with our purpose and values. When we do this, we are more apt to stay on track. If they are SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Related, Time-Bound), then we have a great chance of achieving what we set out to do.
I also share the need break goals down to achievable chunks. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, of course!
If you aren’t achieving your goal, you should first assess whether a goal is still worth achieving. Most of the time it is. We just need to revisit our timing and strategy. I recommend that most people revisit and revise their goals once a quarter.
Barriers to achieving goals
I speak about the barriers to achieving goals. Unrealistic goals is one of the most common and obvious barriers. A second challenge is staying focused. Many entrepreneurs get distracted from what’s most important.
I share my weight-loss journey as an example of how being relentlessly focused on achievable and realistic goals.
Journaling is another way to help stay focused on your goals. By writing your goals and activities down, you are far more likely to stay focused and not be distracted in other areas.
Goals vs. Resolutions
They also asked me if resolutions and goals are the same. In my mind they are different in this way. Resolutions are more about developing new habits (eating healthier, exercising more, being a better spouse, treating people nicer, etc.). The problem with resolutions, as I see it, is that the moment you “fall off the wagon”, you give up. That’s why so many people abandon resolutions so soon.
We speak about the importance of develping habits. When we incorporate effective habits that are in-line with our goals, we find it easier to achieve those goals. And, by developing effecitve habits, we are more likely to continue growing beyond our goals.
I also share an exciting announcement about my next project, my new book. More to come on that.
To listen to the podcast, click here.