As the New Year begins, it is common for folks to start setting new intentions and goals for themselves. New beginnings, new you, new life! Most people make New Year’s Resolutions, then flounder or fail to follow through on them. Perhaps taking a look at what makes goal setting work, might prove to be helpful and afford a chance for success.
In its most basic definition, a goal is a behavioural accomplishment that contributes to managing a problem or situation or some part of it. Many people, even after they have clarified a problem situation, still don’t know what they can do to manage it. There are three phases to note. Firstly, one must set one’s intention on wanting to do something to handle the problem. This is the first step in committing to the whole process. Then, one must begin talking of what he or she would like to do to handle the problem. Make the list long, so reasonable choices can be found. Once the list has been whittled down and a possible solution found, a person can move into the last phase of goal-setting. This is where one define and refine the goals necessary to manage the problem situation.
Goals, themselves, need to be refined and focused so that they have these characteristics:
clear and specific
- measurable or verifiable
- realistic in terms of the person’s resources, environmental conditions, ability to control and cost
- adequate – they contribute in some substantial way to managing the problem
- in keeping with the person’s values
- are set in a reasonable time frame
It has been shown that to get the best solutions and outcomes, one needs to be creative in approaching problems and setting appropriate goals. But when in trouble or faced with problematic situations, most people often lose or fail to use whatever creative resources they have. The time they need their creativity most, is when they can’t access it!
What are some of the characteristics of a creative person?
According to psychology researchers, Robertshaw, Mecca and Rerick, a creative person has the following characteristics:
- optimism and confidence
- acceptance of ambiguity and uncertainty
- a wide range of interests
- flexibility
- tolerance of complexity
- verbal fluency
- curiosity
- drive and persistence
- independence
- nonconformity or reasonable risk-taking
Utilizing one’s creativity leads to innovative ideas for handling situations. The more possibilities one can come up with, the less overwhelming and more empowering it can be. With a long list of possible solutions, there are bound to be some that can really help improve the situation! And that can lead to successful goal-setting.
But what hinders creativity? What is it that blocks the creative flow so that we can’t find our own answers or set our own goals? There are many possibilities, but these are the most common blocks:
- fear and anxiety; frozen in the moment
- fixed habits such as self-defeating habits or behaviours
- dependence on others, especially authorities, for the “right answers”; not trusting your own wisdom
- perfectionism; if it isn’t 100% correct, then I won’t try
There are times when life and its problems are overwhelming, even for the most creative person. Having someone or some way to help get back on track is extremely important. It’s okay to ask for help when you need to find “your way home”. Some helpful suggestions include:
- Turn down the inner critic – don’t be critical of your ideas. Make a list of as many possible suggestions as you can without saying, “yes/but” to any of them; have fun exploring possible solutions.
- Reduce anxiety and fear – how can you be free to dream up infinite possibilities and solutions when you are stuck in your emotions? Use healthy stress reduction techniques daily.
- Replace the self-defeating with self-appreciating habits – if you don’t give yourself credit and allow good things into your life, then how are the good things in life supposed to find their way to help you? Refuse to be a victim.
- And tell the Perfectionist that it is okay not get something right on the first or third or tenth time! Hold off on Judgements. Practice makes better, not perfect! And that is enough! And so are you! Celebrate this every day!
Here’s to setting your personal New Year’s intentions, goals and actions for more of what you really want in your life. Keep your focus on the goal – and don’t give up! You are truly worth the effort.