The New Year is right around the corner, which means most of us are putting pen to paper and starting to plan what we want to achieve in the next 12 months.
While it may be tempting to set goals you know you will easily achieve, it is in your best interest to set goals that are beyond what you feel comfortable with.
Setting goals that make you uncomfortable can be a powerful personal growth and development strategy. Here’s how you can set such goals:
1. IDENTIFY YOUR COMFORT ZONE
The first thing you should do is reflect on your current habits, routines, and areas where you feel most at ease. When doing this, pinpoint aspects of your life or work where there is room for growth or improvement.
2. CLARIFY YOUR OBJECTIVES
Once you determine where it is in your life that you can improve, then you must set goals and clearly define what you want to achieve with your goals. Make sure your objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). When setting these new goals, you must consider goals that challenge your existing beliefs, assumptions, or limitations. Look for opportunities that require you to think differently or approach problems from a new perspective.
3. SET STRETCH GOALS
While it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, you should aim for goals that are beyond your current skill level or comfort level. You can do this by choosing objectives that require significant effort and commitment to accomplish – sometimes beyond what your mind currently thinks you are capable of.
4. VISUALIZE SUCCESS
Even though these goals may make you feel uncomfortable, Imagine the positive outcomes and personal growth associated with achieving these big goals. As we know, visualization helps motivate and prepare you for the challenges ahead.
5. EMBRACE DISCOMFORT AS A SIGN OF GROWTH
As you start working towards these new goals, you will experience discomfort. Shift your mindset and view discomfort as a natural part of learning and growth. Understand that stepping outside your comfort zone is where significant development occurs.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY AND SUPPORT
Your support system is extremely important in this case. Make sure to share your goals with trusted friends, mentors, or accountability partners. Having a support system can provide encouragement and guidance when faced with challenges.
7. LEARN FROM SETBACKS
Anticipate that you may encounter setbacks along the way. Not everything will go as planned and that’s okay. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and adjust your approach.
8. CELEBRATE PROGRESS
Lastly, you must acknowledge and celebrate small victories as you make progress toward your uncomfortable goals. This is what will keep you going and build your confidence to take on the next big step in achieving your goal.
All in all, you must remember that discomfort is often a sign that you are pushing your boundaries and growing. By setting and pursuing uncomfortable goals, you can unlock new potentials and achieve personal and professional breakthroughs.