Goals, goal setting, goal achievement, goal planning, goal structure— the word goal is very much diluted in today’s language. It has transformed from a valued noun to a rote, overused verb. We “do” goals relentlessly— at home, at work, in our brains, with our bodies...
It’s constant. Look ahead, look back, plan, do-- look ahead, look back, plan, do—this goal cycle traps us and many times to our detriment.
Yes, goals are incessant. And, yes, something is missing.
Research suggests that the goal process, or how we set goals, requires restructuring. Goal setting for many activates an “all or nothing” thinking pattern—we limit ourselves to two options: achieve or fail. This distortion amplifies perceived chance of failure (50% risk) activating a threat response that triggers a cascade of panic for self-preservation not acceleration.
Thus, this black and white thinking keeps us stagnant by failing to acknowledge the real nuance in goal attainment.
It’s not we achieve or we fail, its we try, we learn, we collaborate, we try again, we adapt, we learn, we progress...
So what motivates these intermediary steps?
It’s not the goal. It’s the intention.
Setting goals without setting intentions is a waste of time. While setting goals is to fixate on the future, setting intentions keeps you grounded and present in the moment. -Forbes
Intentions come from a growth mindset, a mindset that thrives on challenge and sees failure not as threat, but as a springboard for growth and stretching abilities.
Intentions set the standard for how to live and act daily. It’s how we choose to show up. Intentions work to focus us on our journey of goal setting and attainment.
And, while goals are for the future, intentions are for everyday, moment-to-moment living. They are rooted in values, not external outcomes, and thus keep our attention in the here and now on what’s important in our lives and interactions.
An intention may be striving to speak up, ask that question that’s been lurking in your mind, even though it’s scary to do so. Or, it may be setting aside a few minutes between meetings to check in with coworkers on how they are doing. Or, it could also be deciding to leave a bit earlier for carpool so you can catch a few more minutes with your daughter before soccer practice starts.
Intentions are the little acts that pack a big punch.
It’s the few minutes in your day that you decide to focus on your values and set an intention for your time and action.
Intentions allow you to be present and in control of how you show up.
And the impact? —Well, it can be profound.