Have a Love-Hate Relationship with Goal Setting?

By Heidi Sadecky, PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program

It’s the end of January and I haven’t written out my goals for myself this year. Just the fact that I haven’t done it yet causes me to ponder WHY? Some years, I can’t wait to create my goals and get busy achieving them. Other years I procrastinate. This year is one of them.

You see, I have a love-hate relationship with goals. I love them because I’m competitive and want to push myself, discover what I’ve got on the inside to surpass my goals. I want to win! When I exceed my goals I feel accomplished, sharp and professional. I hate goals because of the voice inside my head that says, “You’re embarrassing yourself.” If I fail. I worry that I’ll feel stupid, lazy and end up beating myself up. So why bother?                                   

As I began to understand the psychology of setting goals, I discovered that there’s a science and an art to goal setting which made a big difference. Once I understood this, my hesitancy cleared and I could see what was holding me back.

If you struggle with goal setting and also want to push yourself, to create more, here’s my advice:

1.      Only set 3 goals at a time. I recommend choosing one goal in each category of professional, relational and personal. Remember if everything is important then nothing is.  Here is an example: 1) Grow revenue by 20% this year 2) Take a good marriage to a great marriage 3) Reduce people-pleasing by setting healthier boundaries.

2.      Now that you’ve decided, ask yourself these questions about each one…

• Does this goal excite me?

• Is this goal important to me?

• Will the work stretch me personally and professionally?

Pay attention. If your answer to any of them is “No” or “Kind of”, revise your goal. Otherwise, it will be difficult to have the energy, motivation, and focus to achieve your goals.

3.       Now that you feel energized, decide how you’ll gauge your success. Determine the key performance indicators (KPI’s)…those actions you must take and can measure to achieve this goal. Then, spell out for yourself the first smallest step you want to take toward achieving this goal. This small amount of momentum will flow to your next bigger step making it even easier to achieve.

4.      Create accountability. Share your 3 Stretch Goals with a few safe people like a coach or a Townsend Leadership Group. These are people that have the ability to both give you grace when you are missing the mark and challenge you to push.

5.      Acknowledge and celebrate each small win! Oftentimes, we’re so busy we move on to the next thing and don’t take the time to celebrate the accomplishments and the grit to achieve what we did. When we celebrate, it gives us the encouragement and energy to keep going.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We all fall short sometimes. When you fail to achieve your goals, watch out for that voice of the harsh internal judge that condemns you. Step back, ask yourself what an honest and honorable judge might say when looking at your goals and your performance.

REMEMBER:

• Set your three stretch goals for this year.

• Write them down.

• Share them.

• Keep them visible all year.

• Share your progress every month.

• Give yourself permission to make adjustments.

• Celebrate the small wins on your way to the big win!

As always, I’m here to help you reach your big goals.

Heidi Sadecky is a seasoned expert in guiding leaders to excel in their roles, overcome workplace obstacles, and achieve tangible outcomes. Armed with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and certification from the International Coach Federation, Heidi is dedicated to empowering leaders to redefine their leadership trajectories and amplify their impact on the global stage.

Recognized as a sought-after corporate trainer and facilitator, Heidi possesses a diverse array of specialized coaching certifications, including Gallup StrengthsFinder, Emotional Intelligence, Conversational Intelligence, Conflict Dynamics, and Working Genius. As the sole director of the Townsend Leadership Program in the Northeast United States, she extends her expertise to group members from across the region, spanning Ohio, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond. With Heidi's guidance, leaders unlock their full potential, fostering transformative change within themselves and their organizations. 

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