I did not accomplish all of my 2019 goals and I am okay with that. Let me explain.
Many significant goals set in 2019 were accomplished and I am grateful and celebrating this. However, what mattered most to me are two pivotal realizations.
One realization is that my direction plan for 2019 was actually a plan best made as a multiple-year vision. I had overestimated what I could accomplish in one year.
The second realization is that who I am becoming and how I develop personally, would empower me to actualize and accomplish more over a span of several years.
Becoming mattered more than accomplishing.
The last quarter of 2019 changed everything, especially in my business, but the impact was also felt in other critical areas of my life.
So, for me, not achieving all of my goals is not a negative experience. In fact, I have entered 2020 with a fresh surge of energy, optimism, and confidence. Substantial momentum is creating a positive expectation for 2020 and beyond. Most importantly, I can see myself going further than what I set out to accomplish in one year.
Based on my strengths of being futuristic and a maximizer, I need a longer-term vision and the platform of continuous improvement to motivate my efforts in reaching goals. The framework and plans of a longer-term vision allow me to grow and improve in a continuum and not a stop, start, jerk motion.
Some call this Flow and others call it Being in the Zone. This flow or zone is characterized by a state of heightened focus and immersion in your activities that leads to greater enjoyment, creativity, and productivity.
When I work in the zone and feel the energy of doing what I enjoy, the goals I reach and the work I produce are flowing from who I am and not just what I am accomplishing.
Design Your Life to Live in the Flow
Fortunately, we have role models, books, and even research that give guidance on living in Flow. Here are a few secret ingredients that have helped me the most.
Meaningful Relationships that Encourage and Compel you to grow.
We need people who see us as we are and see and believe in our unrealized potential. Encouragement and challenge are both crucial for growth. Leaders especially need trusted advisors who speak truthfully and directly.
Systems to Organize Life
When life is out of control or you have nothing left to give, systems can save the day. Simple daily, weekly, and monthly routines combat mental clutter and fatigue. Tasks done with systematic attention reap more time and freedom in the long run.
A Purpose/Calling
Those who identify a clear purpose with clarity about “why am I here” have a greater capacity to endure the highs and lows on the journey. Pursuing a noble cause for the benefit of others fuels the race more than chasing fame or fortune.
Continuous Learning and Personal Development
Leaders with a high degree of curiosity and humility stay in the game longer. These leaders are wise enough to know that they don’t know what they need to know, and this stimulates ongoing learning.
Personal Rest that Refreshes and Restores You
Living on less sleep than needed and not taking one day off a week will take a toll on you physically and mentally. Think of your computer if windows are never closed and it is never turned off. Malfunctions or crashes are inevitable. Turn off the work mode and get rest and replenishment with other hobbies and activities.
Core Values
Leaders who last embrace personal core values that shape their lives and work. If you don’t have your own core values defined, the secret ingredients above become a great starting point.
Teamwork
Work Smarter not Harder
Dream Big
Stay Sharp
Have Fun