Right then. It’s that time of year again. A moment to pause as we reflect back on what has (and hasn’t) happened since the start of the year. And to think forwards, with hopes and dreams at what would be nice to see happen next year.

You might be sick of the word “goal” by now. It’s absolutely everywhere, and I know from the conversations I have with readers/listeners, that it’s not an easy concept

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I have just completed my annual goal setting process. It’s the fourth year running that I’ve gone through the 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever course, which has become a week at the start of December each year that I really look forward to. It’s become a sanctuary of reflection, gratefulness, and dreaming, which has kicked into action some massive changes in my life since 2014.

A lot of the people I hear from have an aversion to goal setting for a few different reasons. Maybe you recognise one of these?

Goals are Externally Forced (corporate goals, teacher’s goals, things YOU SHOULD improve)

You’ve Not Been Allowed to Truly Dream

Comfort Zone is Something that Others Dictate (you’re told you need to step outside of it, but not for any reason other than to fit in more)

It’s Associated With Dissatisfaction

You’ve Had Bad Experiences in the Past

I have been the same at different points throughout my life. But since 2014 my relationship with personal growth and goal setting has completely changed. Rather than setting myself up for inevitable failures that I can use to judge myself by, goal setting has become something to actually enjoy and celebrate. The realisation that “should” has no place in the setting of compelling, exciting personal goals, is one that opens up a world of interesting possibilities.

In this episode I expand some of the reasons introverts and highly sensitive people may be averse to goal setting. And I will share some of the reasons I believe we are really well placed to make exciting changes, and move our lives in the direction we actually want to.

Goal setting can be highly invigorating when you realise:

You are in Control

The Process is Inside Your Comfort Zone (one thing at a time)

Excitement is a Pre-Requisite

If It’s Not Compelling, It’s Not Coming In

You Don’t Have to Succeed (sometimes goals lose their purpose later on - that’s OK. Sometimes now is just not the time - that’s OK)

This is the episode for you if you’ve set goals in the past and failed. And if you’re serious about developing your skills, growing into yourself, and making the changes necessary to live your best possible life.

Over to You

How do you feel about the idea of goal setting? What do you think has informed your view of them (whether good or bad)? Please leave your response in the comments below.