I used to be a big shot with a five-year plan. Not so long ago, if you looked at my wish and dream list, you would have seen some very big, easily measurable goals. to get promoted. Winner of the journalism award. Then came the pandemic.
An uncertain period of more than two years followed. We were unable to plan for the long term and had to think short-term, focusing on daily goals instead of a five-year roadmap. And in the process, I learned to appreciate the beauty of having small dreams.
We haven’t completely given up on the big-picture goals.But I became less fixated on them—what they are, when I can achieve them, how I feel when I achieve them. was for me looks like I no longer fixate solely on doing well in my career or striving for industry accolades that only matter within the corporate echo-his chambers. I have learned to invest in myself and in the little things that fill me.
For example, if I entered 2020 with a vision of pay raises and industry-wide accolades in my head, by the middle of the year my only career goal was to build a consistent noon walk into my schedule. It got me out of the house and provided a much-needed mental health break during the very long days of working from home.
I also made it a goal to invest in curly hair. Working from home gave me the freedom to try different products and find what worked best for my curls without worrying about a bad hair day at the office. I could wear a hat or put my hair in a messy bun without anyone caring what was going on. is quite long.)
Another pandemic goal of mine was to call my friends more often. Before the pandemic, I realized that I had allowed my work and my life. I was chasing all the bigger goals I’ve had all my life, but they got in the way of relationships. But after losing a few relatives and friends, it became clear to me that they were the most important relationships. increase.
What I’ve learned from all of these goals is that small achievements with personal ROI are just as important as big, externally motivated achievements. In fact, they have brought me closer to some of the goals that I often find too overwhelming to tackle, like improving my mental health and repairing old relationships. There is a possibility.
Experts agree with my hypothesis: Winning from small goals can set you on the right path to achieving greater results, says a licensed POPSUGAR state center advisory board member. “Micro goals are what really help us feel better about ourselves,” says Dr. Jones. Achieving a good goal is not just about setting yourself up for success with regard to your bigger goal, but “providing yourself and the data to determine what you need to do to reach your bigger goal.” You can do it, too,” says Dr. Jones.
What I’ve found in my journey away from dreaming big and thinking small is how important it is to surround yourself with people who support you in your small victories. If you’re used to recognizing only the bigger, flashier accomplishments (like getting a promotion or buying a new home), try leading by example. Start cheering them on for small wins, like finally trying a TikTok recipe they’ve been talking about, or overcoming their fears and asking someone they like for a drink. It is also helpful to let them know that they are worth celebrating and need their support.
It’s important to “manage the community,” says Dr. Jones. It’s worth noting that not all friends can be cheerleaders. every day target category. There may be a group of friends who are cheerleaders at work, another group who go to share fitness goals, and another who only goes for relationships. It doesn’t matter if you have a good cheerleader,” says Dr. Jones.
Equally important is being the best cheerleader you can be and tracking your own achievements yourself, she adds. A study by Teresa Amabile, her professor at Harvard Her School of Business, found that those who tracked small accomplishments every day had increased motivation and creativity. Try keeping a journal about your goals (what they are and what you need to do to reach them). There are also habit tracking apps that help you keep track of your progress. Or, if possible, video or photograph the completion of the task for your records, says Dr. Jones. You’d be surprised how motivating it can be to scroll back through your own albums.
When you start thinking small, you will find that it becomes a habit. Perhaps it’s because it feels so good to hit those small goals. One small goal I’m particularly excited about this year is getting back in the classroom. I love learning new things and was out of school for so long that I miss it. Luckily, during the pandemic, I found a local adult community class (shout out to Brooklyn Her Blennery). I’ve already written a letter, but holiday chocolates and bookbinding are next on my list.To hold myself accountable, taking Dr. Jones’ advice, I decided to make that goal a friend’s hobby. I plan to share it with her Alysse, who is an aficionado. She recently signed up for adult ballet, so we can encourage each other.
What I love about these classes, and the reason I consider them “small” goals, is that they are just for me. No doubt it helps promote, provide networking opportunities, or tick off my five-year plan. Let’s talk about her ROI in person.
The New Year often tempts us to reflect on the past year, assess where we are and what we would like to change, and think big. But don’t forget to think small too. What little personal goals do you want to tackle in the new year? Whatever they are, know that you have at least one person to cheer you on along the way.
Image Source: Getty/Wong Yu Liang
