Let's Scrap 2024 Goal-Setting

At the start of this year, I wrote a list of 23 things that I wanted to do in the year 2023. Here are a few I had written down: 

  • Take Golf Lesson

  • Host a Dinner Party

  • Go to California Adventure

  • Go on a Duffy Ride

  • Rent a Private Karaoke Room (don't judge, it's super fun!!)

  • Overhaul my Closet

  • Take four 3-day Road Trips


Some of the 23 I did very easily (read 12 books), a few I procrastinated (volunteer 6x), one I just decided I didn't want to do anymore (recover my armchair), and the rest I just didn't get to (karaoke room 😥).

I had a great year, despite the unaccomplished things and yet, I can't help but judge the success of all of my 2023 based on what I didn't do. 

Our habit of setting goals and resolutions (every January!) gets smacked by the reality of what we achieved by year's end. Often that turns to judgment when we compare the two. My judgy voice is saying, "Why'd you make such a long list in the first place?" 

I think there's a better way to do this whole set goals > take action > assess ourselves thing. 

WHAT IF WE USED THEMES VS. GOALS?

What if instead of setting a goal in 2024 - for example, lose 5 pounds - we set a theme, like healthy choices?

Instantly, healthy choices feels broader and more encompassing. Making healthy choices can happen at any time, every day. Healthy choices could cover the food I eat or how much I drink alcohol. It could mean choosing to go for a walk or the gym, or resting up and taking a nap vs. running myself ragged. Whereas, lose 5 pounds only means one thing: LOSE THE STINKIN' 5 POUNDS! 

Some of my friends choose a word of the year every January, which is a version of picking a theme. However, I think we could have multiple themes to cover different aspects of our lives. Here are a few I've written down for me in 2024:

  • Initiate connection

  • Cultivate joy

  • Prioritize adventure

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MANAGERS

Friend, you can create 2024 themes that are manager-related. 

What if you had a theme around relationships? This could guide the way you reach out to people you manage or how creative you get in building relationships. You could have a theme around growth and development. This could guide what kinds of training you seek out or inspire you to find mentor opportunities.

Heck, you could use healthy choices just as easily at work. This could guide what approach you use in feedback conversations or what words you say when you are heated or upset. It could also guide how you discern boundaries or what things you say yes to. 

What a great way to look forward to 2024 in an intentional way - with themes!

I'd love to know yours. Reach out to me if you've got any that come to mind. 

In the meantime, take care. I hope you have a wonderful memory-filled holiday.

About The Author

For the past two decades, Cecilia Gorman has helped advertising agencies and other creatively-minded companies fix costly communication and productivity issues by teaching managers how to become better connectors, motivators, and leaders. Cecilia is the author of Always Believe In Better, creator of the digital learning course for managers—Manager Boot Camp, and co-founder of the global training and support community for working women—Empowership.

Interested in growing your skills as a manager? Check out how Manager Boot Camp might help.

Cecilia Gorman2023Comment