Forget Goal-Setting; I Want to Declare Intentions
Photo by Nils Geylen
Do you define clear goals for yourself? Set deadlines? Create detailed plans?
My life isn’t organized into milestones or outlined into actions. I used to be more concrete in my goals and plan iteratively in my head how to accomplish them. I was focused in my drive. The process was: 1. Realize achieving X would make me more awesome. 2. Find ways to achieve X. 3. Work on achieving X. 4. Achievement X unlocked. This method successfully made me more awesome.
Over the last two years, I’ve been slowly changing my achievement mentality. Now I have a vision and a purpose that I reflect upon, and I give more thought to how I want to improve my skills as ongoing growth. I still push myself and, yes, overcommit myself; admittedly, I enjoy the thrill of testing my boundaries, finding creative ways of doing more, and possibly falling flat on my face at any time.
I fear I’d lose my edge if I was expected make realistic commitments and be held accountable for them. When I'm at my best, I dream big. Huge, really. I pick a direction, learn my options, and commit one day at a time.
With all of that in mind, it is a new year, and as a one word resolution, I want 2015 to be slower. My schedule has been packed the last 2 weeks, and I already know it will be intense for the next 6 months as I go through Certified Professional Co-Active Coach certification to further develop my coaching skills. My intention isn’t to have a slow year—that would be boring. I want more breathing into life—more savoring of experiences—and an actual vacation because I didn't do that last year. Professionally and personally, I want more moments that feel like this:
