In this episode, we take a deep dive into all things goal-setting to get you off and running in the right direction with clear and achievable goals for 2024.
Who better to take us through the goal-setting process than accomplished CEO, acclaimed author, keynote speaker, and host of the “All It Takes is a Goal” podcast…Mr. Jon Acuff.
Whether you are currently on track and crushing your goals, or you didn’t do anything to prepare for this new year and you are wandering around aimlessly, we all have something to learn from this goal-setting guru.
1) Figure out something you enjoy, not something you have to fix.
A goal is a way to fix a problem in life, but if we feel like we’re not doing well at accomplishing that goal, we can experience shame. Shame makes us pull back, not move forward. Every goal is a gift and an opportunity to step into new growth and success. Reframe your goal in a way that actually makes you want to spend time doing it, rather than avoiding it.
2) Find something you love so much that Netflix becomes boring.
It’s not about committing to watch less TV or being more disciplined. It’s all about finding something that gives you so much joy that you’d rather work on that thing than check out with distractions. Joy leads to discipline and persistence. So you want to move past what you’re supposed to be doing and get into what you enjoy doing.
3) Frequently review your goals.
A half- hour review at the end of the month is worth 10 hours of productivity. Review your goals and ask yourself what worked and what didn't work. If you still haven’t set goals, it’s not too late! Stop telling yourself you missed some golden opportunity and start now.
4) Write your goals down.
Paper shrinks fear! When ideas are just floating around your head, they can be confusing, chaotic, and overwhelming. But when you get your thoughts written down on paper, the things you are worried about get a little bit smaller and you can start to see what they really are. Grab a piece of paper and spend 10 minutes writing down a couple of goals. That's enough to get started!
5) Get in the potential zone.
There are three performance zones that people will fall into when it comes to goal-setting. The comfort zone (or pajama zone) where you have no goals, no action, and no progress, the chaos zone (or monster energy zone) where you’re hyper-motivated and unfocused, and finally, the potential zone, where you have the right goals moving at the right pace. Be careful about swinging between these zones - from no goals to excessive goals. Know where you are and find that middle potential zone.
6) Beware of competing goals but look for overlapping goals.
When setting goals, be aware of goals that are at odds with one another. If you have a goal to go on the road all year as a speaker and another goal to be a better father and to be with the kids all year, you may find yourself frustrated. An example of goals that overlap is the goal to listen to more audiobooks this year, and the goal of walking more. These goals overlap and work together for success.
7) Refine your goals and adjust as needed.
“New Seasons deserve new scorecards.”
It's unfair to not adjust our goals to meet the demands of the seasons of life. Don’t get locked in and legalistic. Rigid goals are fragile goals. Don’t be afraid to revisit your goals and adjust as needed.
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About Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including his most recent, All It Takes Is a Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential.
Published in more than twenty languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he’s not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges, and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia, and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff shared the stage with an American Icon when he opened up for Dolly Parton at the Ryman Auditorium.
For over 20 years he’s also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, and Staples. His fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Reader’s Digest, Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review, and Time Magazine.
Jon lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two teenage daughters.
