Everything's Changed—Is It Time to Reset Your Goals?

We don't typically talk about setting goals in May. But there's nothing typical about this May.

Many of you have set goals in January as part of your company’s performance management process or in your own personal goal-setting process. But as the pandemic persists and realities and priorities continue to change, many of you are questioning whether those business or personal goals still make sense.

Maybe you have formal goals in writing, or maybe you just have some aspirational musings in your head. Whatever form they take, it’s likely you kicked off the year with an intent to achieve something specific.

While January’s goals may feel tone-deaf today, goals in general remain important—for your motivation, your productivity, and your confidence. Well-designed goals keep you moving forward toward the future you aspire to. But when that future feels undefined and the targets move daily, how do you know what goals to set and stick with?

So let’s talk today about revisiting your January goals and giving them a facelift to make sure they’re keeping you on the path to productivity and success in this new normal.

Because sometimes a pivot is the key to achieving your goals.

Rethink priorities

What's the difference between goals and priorities?

Priorities are your purpose. Goals, on the other hand, are the specific and measurable vehicles by which you strive toward the things that matter to you.

If your purpose is to be healthier, then your goals might be to exercise three times per week and eliminate fast food from your diet. Health is the priority. It’s the thing that matters; the outcome you hope for. Goals are the enablers. And they're actions, not wishes.

So, start today by checking in with your priorities.

Priorities are your purpose. Goals are the specific and measurable vehicles by which you strive toward the things that matter to you.

What seemed important in January may not resonate today. Maybe your team at work was prioritizing customer growth and began building an exciting platform to better engage your customers. Your goals likely would have aligned to that growth priority—things like finding new business targets, attending and sponsoring industry events.

Or maybe you were feeling bored at work and had prioritized finding a new job. Your goals, in that case, may have involved hitting some recruiting conferences or attending networking events.

Take a look at whatever had you excited and motivated in January and ask yourself whether you still feel that way. Is this priority something you still want to wake up and strive for every day? And, equally important, does it feel achievable under your current circumstances?

Choosing...

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