Goal-setting and planning by Type
I have some Type-specific information further down, but wanted to start with three basic goal-setting and planning approaches. You might like them regardless of Type (or if you're not sure of your preferences):
Work towards (or backwards) from specific goals
Set intentions
Go with the flow
Goals
What you need:
Knowing where you are, and knowing where you want to go, so you'll know when you get there. The most common approach for this one is the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-boxed) goal setting system.
Works best when:
You're working on an achievement goal, i.e. something definite. This can be a one-time thing, like a number in your bank account, or a degree with a diploma.
You're not weighed down by limiting beliefs, and you have a clear "why" and vision.
You're also realistic enough to know the way to goal will rarely be straight-forward.
Intentions
What you need:
A commitment to change, or to a vision, and a little discipline. The most common approach for this one are vision boards, but also trackers or bullet journals.
Works best when:
You're working on a habit goal, i.e. something ongoing you want to keep doing over a long period of time.
You're putting systems in place that help you support the creation of your new habits.
Here's how goals and intentions can work together: If you set the intention of living your healthiest life, for example, the systems you put in place can be to only buy healthy foods, or do "meatless Mondays" for a year. The goals can be a certain blood pressure measurement, or getting off of a medication.
Flow
What you need:
A mindful approach to life, and desire to live in the moment.
Works best when:
You're exploring what it means to be a human being (not a human doing).
If you'd like to talk more about any of these, just drop me a line!
Now, for some more Type info:
People with my In-Charge(TM) Interaction Style preference (ESTJ, ENTJ, ENFJ, ESTP) are driven by a sense of accomplishment. We love to get things done. That often means I will choose the immediate gratification of ticking off a to-do item over pursuing a bigger, long-term goal. Those are like mountains, and I don't know where to even begin, so I go sit on the couch and watch a Jane Austen movie instead.
Of course, the trick is to break the big goal down into smaller parts, and give myself that sense of accomplishment when I finish them. As I'm building out an editorial calendar for future blog posts, that might mean writing the headlines. If you're working on exercise goals, the smallest possible thing you can do might be rolling out your mat, or putting the shoes out by the door.
People with Chart-the-Course(TM) patterns (ISTJ, INTJ, INFJ, ISTP) love to have at least one course of action thought out (probably a couple more as back-ups) to help them reach their desired goals. Milestones are important to guide the way, and it's imperative they can anticipate what's going to happen.
If this is you, 2020 was probably extra-difficult to keep in some sort of focus, because of the unending uncertainty about all the things. Looks like next year may be a little better to grasp, now that a new government is taking shape in the US, and a vaccine is on the horizon globally. Maybe you've even made vision boards to inspire you.
People like my husband who have Behind-the-Scenes(TM) patterns (ISFJ, INTP, INFP, ISFP) are driven to integrate all possible (even the improbable) sources of input to get to the best possible result. You don't like being rushed. You tend to be open to information for a lot longer than others before making a decision.
If this is you, 2021 is fast approaching. You're probably content to have the goal or idea in your heads and play with it. But if you want to see it out in the world, may I gently suggest you start using what I call a "calendar" and set what you may know as a "deadline." OK, just kidding, and also, there are some opportunities you might miss out on, if you don't go after them. Not to mention the amazing goodies we miss out on if you don't share your wonderful gifts.
People with Get-Things-Going(TM) patterns (ESFJ, ENTP, ENFP, ESFP)want to involve everyone and be involved, and keep the energies up. If you're married to one of these Types, they will be your greatest supporter and cheerleader! Please make sure you also give them some of your good vibes, because they may not know how to ask for it.
If this is you, I understand you want your goals and plans to incorporate other people in your life and serve the greatest good of all involved. But I'm going to invite you to also think about what it is that you want. For yourself. Even if others might disagree with it. Because - and I don't know who needs to hear this - in the words of Glennon Doyle, you can do hard things.
