Andrew Mina

2021 has turned out to be another topsy-turvy year.

As we head to the close of the year, I am curious about what goals did you set yourself at the beginning of the year and what you have achieved?

I had a few goals that have been unceremoniously discarded as the year has gone on, some that are still a work in progress, there are some that I know won’t be achieved even with my best effort, and yet, others that have been achieved. I have also added a couple of new ones as the year has progressed. 

One of my goals was to read 21 books in 2021. I kind of boldly went with this one as I managed to read 20 books in 2020. Perhaps this is a dangerous precedent adding a book each year. But I did it. I have read 21 books this year. 

It may not seem like much to celebrate, reading 21 books, but I think we too often under celebrate the achievements of our goals. I see many of us being too quick to critic the effort, the outcome and the process. But, hey, you did it! You didn’t give up, you got it done and that is because you found a way. Yay for you.

So what is a lesson we can take from a topsy-turvy year with regards to goals, both private and work-related?

Here are my top 6 lessons and some inspiration:

1. set them – be brave. What could be done? Do you have a BHAG? Set your aim and you’re on your way.

All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.

— Orison Swett Marden

2. keep them visible – desktop/noticeboard/dedicated app

By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands—your own.

— Mark Victor Hansen

3. plan to take action on them daily – remember incremental gains? 

Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. And there’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.

— Jim Rohn

4. be realistic and be flexible – things change and so can your goals. Sometimes things don’t work and it is okay that you’re not in total control. 

The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.

— Bill Copeland

5. remember seasonality – there are four seasons in the year, so there are seasons in your life. Pay attention to which season you might be in.

The thing about goals is that living without them is a lot more fun, in the short run. It seems to me, though, that the people who get things done, who lead, who grow and who make an impact… those people have goals.

— Seth Godin

6. celebrate the wins – drink champagne or whatever you prefer, share the achievement with your friends, family, and colleagues – be an inspiration. Goodness, we all need a little inspiration from time to time.

What lessons have you learnt this year or may have been reminded of that you'd like to share?

Now, it is time to set time aside to set some goals for 2022!

Wishing you and your loved ones all a safe and happy Christmas.

Andrew