My 2021 Goal Setting Strategy. And Why It's Different Than Last Year.

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I published an article recently on Thrive Global called The Great Pause: What It’s Teaching Us.

 

It’s a self-reflective piece that I share with you about my journey this year. And some of the things I’ve learned, and desire to carry forth next year.

 

One of those things is trusting my own inner guidance above everyone (and everything) else. Something I know I haven’t always done. 

 

Things like...

 

Second-guessing.

Seeking outside validation.

Trusting other people's opinions over my own.

Pushing hard for an outcome.

Trying to force change.

Implementing tools, and tactics that don’t bring me joy.

 

All of which don’t feel very good!! Right?

 

Well, I believe we’ve become accustomed to relying on others to show us the way. Especially when it comes to how to set and achieve goals for yourself. And while that might work for a short period of time, it won’t last if it doesn’t bring you joy.

 

You know... the dread that comes from having to do something because we think we ‘should’ or that’s what we're ‘supposed’ to do in order to achieve our goals.

 

“Get specific with your goals Kathryn” mentors would say.

 

“Write down every detail about your perfect day or what you want to achieve.”

“Maybe you need a morning routine? Gurus like Tony Robbins and Lewis Howes preach how effective they are for achieving your goals.”

“How about you try creating a vision board?”

“Buy a goal-setting day planner to keep track of everything.”

 

Sound familiar? 

 

I always dreaded these exercises. In fact, my gut was meh about it. But like a lot of us I did them anyway.

 

Why?

 

Because I believed everyone else who had created the success I desired must have the answers. So naturally, why wouldn’t I try, right?

 

Here’s the thing. I could never stick to any of the above. I’d try for a bit, but it never lasted. And I started to wonder if I was missing something. Then a client (and friend) introduced me to Human Design.

 

I’ve always been fascinated with human behavior so I was shocked I’d never heard of it before. And if you haven’t, it’s essentially a cross between Myers-Briggs and astrology. It’s a comprehensive way that explains how you were built, and how best to respond to the world.

 

So, I went down the rabbit hole to digest everything I could about Human Design. Wowser...it’s intense.

 

But that’s when things started to make sense to me. All of these specific ways for setting and achieving goals (aka manifesting your dreams) were out of alignment for me.

 

I’m not designed to get specific, yet everywhere I turn is telling me the contrary. In fact, I’m a passive manifestor (or non-specific) according to my human design chart. Basically, ironing everything out, right down to the last detail feels restrictive to me - like a chore. 

 

Who likes doing chores? 

 

I mean they are called that for a reason. They aren’t something people enjoy doing. And all this time I was setting goals with the same energy I’d have for cleaning my bathroom (or doing laundry). 

 

No wonder it felt hard and blah. And when I think about all the times I achieved kick-ass things like traveling to the Philippines for my master's thesis, it was done just by saying this is what I want to do. I even booked my plane ticket and landed in the country without approval to visit the remote villages. That all came as I went along.

 

So with less than a month until 2021, I’m approaching my goal-setting totally differently. This year my focus is on these three intentions:

1. Unsubscribe to DOING All the Things

You don’t need to follow every tool or tactic to achieve success. In fact, I’m a believer less is more. So, this year I’m following my design as closely as possible, which means embracing my gift of efficiency and finding the quickest way to bring an idea to life.

 

2. Have Fun With It

I am going to infuse ‘play’ and ‘fun’ into every goal I set. If I’m not having fun with it, I am not going to do it. Meaning I’m giving myself permission to let go of things that don’t excite me anymore and not sticking to things just because I think I should.

 

3. Leave Room for Magic

I’ll have big-picture goals, but I think the magic for me happens in ambiguity or uncertainty. Leaving room for things to unfold as they are supposed to instead of trying to control every detail. 

 

But that’s not all!! I want to invite you to do the same. If there is any area in your business that feels like a chore tune into that feeling and get curious about it. Maybe you’re operating out of alignment.

 

And if you want to learn more about human design, and what your chart says here is an excellent resource - My Human Design.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts, or if you have any questions. 

 

Also, I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.