Strategies for Effective Goal-Setting as a Multi-Passionate
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Chapter 1: Understanding Goal-Setting Challenges
If setting goals feels as elusive as searching for Bigfoot or chasing the end of a rainbow, it may be because your approach doesn't align with your multi-passionate nature. Perhaps you’ve opted out of goal-setting altogether due to the frustration that arises from unfinished tasks, like organizing your living space, launching that podcast, or finding time to learn roller skating.
The encouraging part is that you can establish new goals at any moment. The next time you set a goal, think of it as a thrilling test drive of a new car—exciting, tangible, and steering you toward real outcomes. Let’s delve into three reasons why conventional goal-setting might not be effective for you and alternative strategies to consider.
- The SMART Goals Conundrum
The SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound—can often feel ambiguous. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with it, the interpretation of each component is subjective. How specific should your goals be? What if a general approach feels more manageable?
The term "achievable" can fluctuate based on your mindset; one day you might feel capable of prepping meals for the week, while the next day takeout seems like the only option. As for "relevant," whose interests are we prioritizing—yours or someone else’s expectations? The idea of being "time-bound" often complicates things further, especially when goals seem too abstract.
If adhering to the SMART criteria adds more stress than clarity, consider moving away from it.
- The Perils of Outcome Focus
When you sit down for quarterly goal-setting only to feel a looming sense of "pre-disappointment," it’s likely because you’re overly fixated on the end result. Concentrating solely on measurable outcomes can obscure the invaluable, unquantifiable aspects of personal growth you experience along the way.
As you pursue your goals, you may develop resilience, self-belief, and courage to take action. You might also confront deeper fears and insecurities. Recognizing that the journey shapes who you become can transform your perspective; the person you evolve into during the process is the true reward—achieving the goal is merely a bonus.
- Lack of Clear Priorities
We can't discuss goal-setting without emphasizing the importance of establishing clear priorities.
Climbs down gracefully
When you have defined priorities, your goals become tools to help keep those priorities front and center. This is especially critical for multi-passionate individuals who juggle various projects and interests. To make real progress on that podcast or coaching business you've been dreaming about, you need to prioritize them in your life.
By respecting your established priorities, your goals turn into milestones that guide your focus and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by too many concurrent projects.
For more insights, check out my podcast episode on this topic. It’s highly recommended!
You Are Not at Fault
Before concluding, it’s crucial to remember that if goal-setting hasn’t yielded results, it’s not due to a lack of discipline on your part. The issue often lies in generalized frameworks that don’t cater to multi-passionate individuals. Instead of feeling discouraged or avoiding goal-setting, try embracing a method that resonates with your unique way of thinking.
For a comprehensive list of energizing and approachable goal-setting tips, tune into the episode on the Multi-Passionate Mastery podcast: "Goal-Setting as a Multi-Passionate: 7 Refreshing Approaches to Try."
Chapter 2: Alternative Goal-Setting Strategies
In this engaging video, titled "Aiming for Long-term Goals Can Increase Failure | E4 Bigger Plate," explore how traditional goal-setting can backfire and what to consider instead.
The video "Why Productivity Advice Doesn't Work for You as a Multi-Passionate Person" provides insights into personalized strategies that resonate with diverse interests.