Resolutions, Goals, and Dreams… Oh My!

Two weeks from now a lot of people you know (maybe even you and I) will be making big New Year’s Resolutions. That’s cool. Nothing wrong with resolutions.

But it’s worth looking at why so many of us get frustrated with ourselves about a month or two into the new year. As Quartz Editorial Director Phoebe Gavin says, “A resolution is just an intention; what you really need is a goal with a plan.”

So… moving into 2022 I intend to turn my typically vague New Year’s Resolutions (i.e. intentions to “exercise more” or “grow my business” into specific goals i.e. “workout 45 minutes x 4 times per week” and “hit $100,000 in gross revenue by December 1st.”)

Then I can “plan backward” based on the end goals I have identified. I don’t know about you, but I already feel better, LOL. How about you? Is this helpful?

Now let’s look at the relationship between Goals and Dreams. Hint: See the line in bold below.

Dreams are thoughts about desired future outcomes. They can feel whimsical and spontaneous and don’t require focus, effort, or money per se. Dreams are like loose blueprints in your mind -- where your imagination can stretch wide and far and you are under zero pressure to DO anything. 

Goals are much more tangible and focused than dreams. I would say the most significant distinguishing characteristic is that goals require ACTION.

Setting effective goals has long been equated with the acronym SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. (You can Google “SMART Goal Setting” and absorb days of content.)

The great news is-- Dreams inspire your goals, as goals are often born from your dreams! So go ahead and Dream Big! Then allow some space and time for your most inspiring dreams to “rise to the top” so you can transform them into goals with measurable actionable steps.

Since all 3 terms (Resolutions, Goals, and Dreams) can start to make us feel like it’s all just one more thing to do (AKA avoid, HA), my strong suggestion is --before doing anything else-- ask yourself two questions: 1. “What do I want more of in my life?” And 2. “What do I want less of in my life?”

This way, before you turn the calendar to a new year, you can leave behind what is not serving you and attract what you actually want.

Based on what you want MORE OF in your life, what is one SMART goal you can make and, perhaps more importantly, one step you can take toward living the life you’ve always wanted?

Have you been wanting to get your PMP, learn Spanish, or teach an online course? How about improving your public speaking or learning to cook? What do you think about adopting a child? Launching a business? Buying an EV? Do you want to get your graduate degree? Find a mentor? Be a mentor?

Whatever it is, Dream it first! Then pay attention to what dreams stick around that you can turn into goals with plans and timeframes that suit you.

To Your Success,

Amy

P.S. Not to complicate the issue, HAHA, but I would also invite you to examine your daily habits to see if they support (or sabotage) the goals you are setting.  

P.P.S. If you or someone you know is a young professional seeking meaningful real-world experience and career support to succeed in today’s crazy world, we are now accepting applications for our Spring 2022 VIP (Visions Internships Program for Young Professionals). This is a great opportunity to practice what you’ve just read about-- to Take Action! What the heck-- what would happen if you stepped out on the skinny branches and threw your hat in the ring for the next VIP, or forwarded the link to someone who might!? 

P.P.P.S. You Rock.