Start Your Year With Gratitude: Setting Meaningful Goals
As we celebrate the successes and lessons of 2024, take a moment to reflect:
What are you most thankful for at work this year? What made it possible?
In life, what moments brought you joy and gratitude? What helped create those experiences?
Starting with gratitude isn’t just feel-good advice—it’s brain science. Gratitude activates the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in planning, decision-making and problem-solving. Being in a state of thankfulness reduces activation in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, which helps to mitigate stress and anxiety. Thankfulness enhances cognitive function, reduces stress, and prepares your mind for effective planning. By reflecting on what went well, you set the stage for meaningful growth.
Now, let’s turn to 2025. It’s not just about setting goals—it’s about setting the right goals. Goals that will challenge the status quo. Consider these frameworks:
SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Agreed Upon, Realistic and Time-bound
PURE Goals: Positively stated, Understood, Relevant, Ethical
Beyond these, think about:
Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: For example, if increasing sales is your aim, focus on the activities—like outreach and contacts made—that lead to sales results.
The 80/20 Rule: Identify the key drivers that create the biggest impact. If you want to improve the cost of good sold, you need to identify and understand the greatest contributing component to your COGS.
Embracing Limits: As a leader, focus on driving three to four goals. You don’t have the capacity for more. Delegate the rest.
And it’s not just about work. What about growth in other areas—fitness, finances, relationships, faith or personal fulfillment? What small, intentional actions will help you succeed?
As Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat wisely said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” So, chart your course with clarity and purpose.
If we can provide assistance in your pursuit of growth, let us know—we’re here to help! Here’s to a growth-oriented, intentional and exceptional 2025!
Until the New Year,