At Actxa Wellness, we make an intentional effort to cultivate the Growth Mindset culture within the team. Incidentally, our most popular webinar / in-person workshop requested for by clients in 2022 was “Uncovering Your Growth Mindset”.
One of the questions that we get asked frequently from attendees is on how they can approach Goal Setting with the Growth Mindset.
Since it is the start of 2023 and many of us are working on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objective Key Results (OKRs), we prepared a general guide for those who might be interested to know more!
Having the right mindset is half the battle won
We’ve heard this said umpteen times before. But how often do we listen to that other inner voice that tells us we’re not good enough or that it cannot be done? I’m guilty of this as well, of letting that inner voice take over. But it doesn’t always need to be the case, especially if we are self-aware enough to apply the right strategies to shut that inner voice out.
We need to be anchored to set realistic goals so that when it is executed with a sound plan and strategy, it can be achieved. That anchor and plan, gives us the confidence to fuel the positivity to help us get to where we want to be. The stretch-goal is something we are referring to here and is not what some might classify as pure blind optimism.
If we think we can achieve a goal we’ve set, we’ve automatically removed those obstacles in our head that will be preventing us from being crippled to move forward.
Set goals that allow for progression
I am referring to milestone goals here. There is always room for improvement, progress and to be better at whatever we are currently doing. The hallmark of the Growth Mindset is in understanding that there is no limit to our abilities and intelligence. What areas will we be able to be better at? And how will this contribute directly to our role and pre-determined tasks? Write them all down.
Take note of goals with a “dead end” destination with no more room for progression. These are not good goals to set because they might leave you feeling lost and unmotivated after. For example, being the best performing salesperson in the team versus having specific numbers to measure this performance against.
Identify areas that we can be in control of
Are there areas that contribute to the goal that we know we can have a direct impact on?
Are there areas that contribute to the goal that we can have an indirect impact on?
And are there areas that contribute to the goal that we have absolutely no control over?
These should be the guiding questions for us in prioritising the respective roll-out processes and actions as well.
Just like there is no point “crying over spilt milk”, there is no point worrying about what we do not have control over.
Planning ahead and writing things down is how we can control not just the tasks better, but also our emotional and mental wellbeing.
Identify actions and habits that will help you achieve that goal
Once the goal has been set. The step-by-step processes and actions need to follow through.
If it is not something that comes naturally because it is something new, then you will need to factor in time to build the necessary habits.
I have found that scheduling time in my calendar for what is important typically gets things done.
If picking up a new language will help me to achieve the goal, I will put in the time and resources to make it happen.
Create opportunity for challenge and discomfort
This point is directly related to the earlier point on identifying specific actions to help you achieve your goal, either better or faster. Practicing the Growth Mindset as we embark on this goalsetting exercise will help us to look for opportunity to always want to do better, and be better.
Challenge and discomfort, where setbacks could potentially happen, allow us to push that stress threshold for us to level up and emerge stronger. How much of this we each can bear varies from individual to individual and requires trial and error from experience. Being able to manage this requires self-awareness.
What gets measured gets done
Lastly, set realistic timelines and milestone goals with specific measurables. The numeric values serve as a reminder and motivation to achieve the goal. This is especially so when you compare this value to where you currently are in your progress. Check in as regularly as weekly to track progress so you can make minor (or major) adjustments to improve or change the course of your plans.
Be accountable not just to yourself but also your team. It never is a one-person effort, but a team effort for that common vision and pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Parting Words
Goal setting with the Growth Mindset takes some pressure off the hard end goals and helps us see value in the processes and progress. It allows us to be present and to appreciate our roles, our team, and the complexities and challenges that come with life!
Try it and let me know how it goes.
About the Writer:
Alex Loh is a consultant and coach in the fitness, health and wellness space, business owner, podcast host, loving husband and doting father. His compass is guided by the desire to help people, where his focus is to help businesses and organisations harness fitness, health and wellness as the vehicle to build sustainable solutions. This led him to Co-found Actxa Wellness, where he leads as CEO.
Connect more with Alex Loh here ➡️ https://linktr.ee/alexlohsengyue