Goal Setting and Motivation

Hello ,

Nearly Christmas! Thinking of the New Year ahead, I've written a short article on goals and motivation. While most of us are looking forward to a break, the new year is not far away. I will write another newsletter next week, but a bit more light-hearted with recommended books, podcasts and other things that I found interesting this year.

Also, I released my 23rd Wisepreneurs Episode the other day with Elina Jutelyte, a Belgium freelancer who set up a community of freelancers to support each other. I think she is doing some pretty amazing things, and you might like to listen here: https://www.wisepreneurs.au/elina-jutelyte-crafting-connections-in-the-freelance-world/

Introduction

The journey to accomplishing our goals begins with setting them and maintaining our motivation.

How do we do this effectively?

I set a goal this year to write two articles weekly, one being this newsletter and the other every Wednesday on LinkedIn.

I aimed to discipline myself into a writing habit, explore my thoughts, and utilise my notes from years of reading.

As the year ends and I'm about to grow another year older, my goal-setting perspective has significantly evolved. While I've read many books on goals and habits, Ayelet Fishbach's "Get It Done" stands out with its practical, actionable strategies.

The Utility of To-Do Lists

To-do lists aren't just reminders but essential tools for mental clarity and motivation. However, as Fishbach notes, their rigidity can lead us to prioritise less critical tasks by trying to do too much.

Leidy Klotz's insight complements this: sometimes, removing items is as crucial as adding them. In this, we must acknowledge our time's finite nature. We're just never going to be able to do everything we want.

Fishbach's Four-Ingredient Recipe for Achieving Goals

Set Intrinsically Motivating Goals: Opt for inspiring goals. Replace "don't oversleep" with "attend a morning Pilates class," and see the difference.
Monitor Progress: Track what you've accomplished and what remains. It's as much about the journey as the destination.
Balance Goals: Your goals should harmonise, not clash. This balance is vital to success.
Seek Social Support: Great achievements are rarely solo endeavours. Lean on those who support your journey.

Addressing the Middle Problem

Motivation can wane halfway to a goal. Fishbach suggests setting shorter-term goals to keep motivation strong. One of the ways I use this is during my strength training sessions. I count by tens during my repetitions and then switch to counting by fives when I start to struggle. It might sound a bit simple, but it works for me by shortening the 'middle.'

Prioritising Tasks Effectively

Categorise tasks into critical, secondary, and others to maintain focus. I've found Trello invaluable for managing tasks, especially for my writing. I incorporate a calendar to see what projects or tasks are due. It helps me keep track of everything and has significantly boosted my productivity.

Common Misconceptions in Goal Setting

It's a misconception that success relies solely on personal traits, ignoring situational factors. Another error is underestimating our future selves' desire for instant gratification. Being aware of these fallacies can lead to more realistic goals. For instance, I've learned to avoid buying ice cream and chocolate, as I can't trust myself not to eat it all in one go.

Anticipating Challenges and Obstacles

Mentally prepare for potential challenges. Fishbach's example of students planning around social distractions is a case in point. Remember, life is unpredictable. Illnesses, family emergencies, and other unexpected events are part of it, emphasising the need for flexible planning and goal setting.

Concluding Thoughts

Practical goal setting and motivation are about choosing the right goals and managing your approach effectively. Fishbach's insights offer a valuable guide for achieving these objectives.

Consider these strategies in light of your experiences as the new year approaches. Sharing your unique journey could inspire others to pursue personal growth and success.

Notes
Ayelet Fishbach, Get It Done
Leidy Klotz, Subtract, The Untapped Science of Less
Other popular books
James Clear, Atomic Habits
BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits

Have a great Christmas!
Cheers
Nigel Rawlins
Fractional CMO For Solopreneurs and Freelancers
Affordable Hands-On Marketing Support

This is the last chance to grab an opportunity for a free 30-minute coaching call with me. Book Now https://calendly.com/13thbeachmarketing/free-coaching-session

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/

Check out the Wisepreneurs Podcasts
https://www.wisepreneurs.au/