Not Exactly in a Goal Setting Mood?

January 14, 2021

In my group coaching community, a client recently shared this challenge:

“Not going to lie. The fragment of optimism I carried into 2021 is quickly fleeting. I have a hard time imagining that my visioning will be fruitful? 

It feels like I'll be let down if I dream too big in 2021. So I'm wondering how to manage expectations without shooting too low.”

Sound familiar?

Even as we’re navigating a world that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen, we’re still expected to believe there’s a “right” way to achieve what we want. 

We have to create our measurable goal and then plan every step to get there. (SMART goals, anyone?)

This year more than any other, I’m like, eff the belief that there’s only one linear path to "success". 

Nonstop hustle and grit are not prerequisites.

Let’s replace this approach with an invitation of fluidity, self-compassion, and one another's humanity.

I’m more committed than ever to building communities of women that create our own rule book, one that's adaptable and grounded in ourselves.

If you feel called to do some visioning for the year ahead, consider what’s most resonant for you. 

• Maybe a song lyric or title speaks to how you want to show up.

• In my Catholic extended family, lighting candles is a powerful tradition of reflection and reverence. If that sounds interesting, try it out.

• Perhaps you can look around for a special object that symbolizes how you want to feel this year.

There’s no right way.

And if you have absolutely no interest in visioning for 2021, that’s a-ok too. 

What would it feel like to give yourself permission to stop reflecting and visioning? To just be.