Resolve to Have Objectives, Not Set Goals
‘Tis the season to make New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions date back 4,000 years to the Babylonians, who celebrated their first barley harvest with resolutions for future habits to promote future successes. Resolutions are still prevalent in modern times, with 39% of US adults setting resolutions every year. The three most popular goals relate to health: exercising more, eating healthier, and losing weight.
Unfortunately, 43% of people expect to fail before February, and an amazing 23% do so in the first week of January. Why? The main reason seems to be the timing of New Year’s resolutions – people aren’t ready to commit yet. The secret to becoming part of the 9% that succeed? Only set New Year’s resolutions that are highly relevant, timely, and specific to you. Have objectives.
Tony Robbins says setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. Mark Cuban says effort is measured by setting goals and getting results. Elon Musk says to stop being patient and start asking yourself how you can accomplish your ten-year plan in six months. Most of us love to set goals. Problem is, our goals rarely love us back.
Maybe that’s because most people don’t follow the two-week rule and give it at least two weeks to form a habit. Most people give up too soon. Maybe that’s because the way you are wired has a significant impact on how well a particular goal-setting strategy works for you. Maybe its simpler than that—it’s because you we set “goals” in the first place. Some business experts and professional coaches just don’t believe in goal setting because a “goal” is an end toward which energy is aimed. To these thinkers, why in the world would we start something with the end in mind?
There is a popular quote on the subject that “reaching a goal is a penalty you receive for setting one.” Instead of setting goals, have objectives with no limitations. While that might just sound like semantics, the difference lies in how the pursuit is framed in terms of target and timeline.
If you start a business, the conventional goal-setting approach, as example, would be to set a goal of building a $5 million business. If you want to make the leap from hourly to salary, your goal may be to become a supervisor or manager. If you want to check off a personal best wish, your goal may be to run a marathon. Each goal has an end. Which means each goal is, by its nature, is limiting.
Instead, set an objective with no limitations. Instead of trying to build a $5 million business, make it your objective to grow your business. Instead of trying to become a supervisor, make it your objective to become a better leader. Instead of trying to run a marathon, make it your objective to become a better runner. You can do those things forever.
Remember, an objective is energy aimed in a direction. So why not aim your energy in a direction without any limit? Put your energy into making smarter decisions. Put your energy into developing your team. Put your energy into better engaging and serving your customers.
You can do those things forever. Because you didn’t set a goal with a finish line or end point, you’re much more likely to achieve more than you imagine possible—and be among the 9% of Americans who successfully achieve their resolutions.
2023 promises to be a year filled with successes and significant milestones across our five chapters, and for the PNWPGA Section. A step in the right direction is a continued return to pre-Covid ways of doing our business locally and as an association. Back in person for the first time since 2019, the 2023 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit takes place from January 22-23 in Orlando, FL. Click here to learn more. Additionally, The PGA Show returns to Orlando, Jan. 24-27, 2023. Learn more and register here today.
No Chapter or Section success would be possible without the growing family of our supporting sponsors and partners. I am proud to remind you to ensure you are eligible for the 2023 Farmers Insurance-Jared Bouchey Agency Hole-In-One Challenge. Back for its second year, the Hole-In-One Challenge is your chance to win up to $10,000 for hole-in-ones made at eligible 2023 events. Last year’s winner, Derek Berg, was the sole, eligible winner and took home a check for $10,000. Our special thanks to Mr. Jared Bouchey for his continued support of our members and our Section.
I am happy to announce a new member of the PNWPGA Section family of sponsors. Mr. Ian Crick and Stracka Line are now a presenting sponsor of our Pro-Assistant Championship, PNWPGA Junior Championship, and the 75th Hudson Cup Matches. You will all be learning more about Stracka Line and how they can bring significant value to your clubs.
As always, if I or any member of your amazing Section staff may ever be of any service, please call on us. Happy New Year!