Dear Kosterina Family,
Everyday is the perfect time for reflection and goal setting and I want to share some of my favorite goal-setting tools with you. Research consistently emphasizes the impact of goal setting on individual and organizational success – so set aside time to do this for both your personal and career goals.
My annual goal-setting framework of choice is adapted from the method developed by good friend of Kosterina, Todd Durkin, and outlined on his podcast. (Thank you Todd for inspiring so many of us along the way!)
Part 1: Reflection
First, we reflect. Grab a coffee, matcha, Manhattan or your winter beverage of choice and sit down with paper and pen to answer the following questions:
- What were your biggest wins or achievements from last year?
- What were your biggest losses from last year?
- What were your greatest lessons learned from last year?
Reflection isn't just a stroll down memory lane; it's a strategic tool for continuous improvement. Harvard Business Review shares insights into the transformative power of reflection in enhancing learning and adaptability. Reflection can be both constructive and celebratory. Take a moment to reflect on the things you could have done differently, but also remember the pure moments of joy and bliss that you experienced.
Pro-Tip: Make reflection a habit. Whether it's a weekly look at your wins and losses, quick debrief after a project or a weekly check-in, it's your secret sauce for ongoing success.
Part 2: Goal Setting
Next, we begin to look to the future and set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Incorporating these criteria not only sharpens your focus but also aligns your ambitions with a strategic roadmap.
And here’s the crux of it...sit down to outline your Big 5.
What are your Big 5 Goals for the new year?
(These are 5 big things you must do to create the year you want. You can think through goals in different categories – related to career, family, health, personal, spiritual, adventure, etc).
- What challenges are you currently facing that could impede these goals?
- What habits do you need to develop to achieve these goals? Which ones do you have to eliminate?
- Who do you want to connect with this year to help you achieve what you want to achieve?
- What's your theme for this year?
- What's your big hairy audacious goal (BHAG)?
After that, share your goals with friends, family or coworkers and ask them about their resolutions. Celebrate milestones and collectively reflect on the journey. Shared success is the sweetest success!
Cheers to a great 2024!
Peace, Love, and EVOO,
Katina and the Kosterina Team
