I learned about goal setting from the beach in Mexico about 18 years ago. I’d just moved back to Kansas City and was trying to figure out if I was a freelancer or PR agency owner (I eventually decided it was the latter).
A small PR firm I was working for in Arizona planned a luxurious planning retreat for five women in a beautiful beach house on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. In between the yoga, wine, laughs and delicious food, we conducted strategic planning for clients and personal goal setting. We were “assigned” (as part of the retreat) time alone on a deserted beach to conduct personal, professional and overall life goal setting for the year.
It’s an experience I wish I could relive every January.
I learned the importance of personal goal setting and wanted to share it here with my own version of what I remember we used as our guide because it made such an impact. (Thank you, Dana!) Even if you don’t have a beach as your backdrop, I invite you to try this exercise.
Throughout the years, I’ve come back to a version of this document, and I’ve shared it with my husband, colleagues and friends. I hope it helps you especially this year coming off such a crap 2020! We all need to dig deep to find our self-inspiration as we kick off a new year.
When I was asked to moderate the KC/IABC New Year Coffee Chat on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 titled “Build Your Personal Brand in 2021,” I decided to dust off this goal setting worksheet and share it with our virtual group. The event’s promo talks about starting the new year with resolutions to become better versions of ourselves, but as communicators and branding experts, we often neglect our own personal brand. During the chat, we’ll talk about our own brands and how to change our resolutions into goals (hello? The worksheet!!) to become brand savvy in the new year.
As you’re looking for insight for your goals I hope you’ll log into the free Coffee Chat, but if you missed it, I think it is important to “look back” to truly get a good view of what’s ahead. Consider our history to find our way for the future.
I looked back on my 10-year-anniversary blog post on December 2013, and got a laugh. Not a whole lot has changed as I start my 18th year in business but there were good reminders that I’ve included in my own goals for 2021.
And while clicking around on the MNPR Beyond the Pickle blog, it looks like I’ve written about “goals” before (improving my memory should be a goal, for sure!).
2014 wasn’t a good year. That’s why I started 2015 ON FIRE with some very lofty goals. I intended to take control and turn things around. I was proud that I had written down my goals and was able to check, check, check off these big accomplishments. √√√
In review of my goals in 2015, I see that I gave myself a long-term goal to do more “communication for the good.” It’s taken a few years, but I’m working with at least five nonprofits today and hope to continue to truly specialize in this area. Another check! √
There’s so much negativity surrounding 2020. Can you find positive things to focus on that happened last year? This can help set your intention for 2021.
Megan’s milestones in 2020
- Turned 50 √
- Went skydiving √
- Graduated with my master’s degree from KU √
- Started teaching college √
- Named Communicator of the Year by Kansas City chapter of IABC √
- Moved to a new house √
- Son graduated high school and started college √
It was a BIG year for milestones! HUGE!
I don’t think I can break the milestone record next year so I will set totally different goals for 2021. Do you set an annual “one-word” intention for the year?
I’m terrible at being a futurist. I like to come up with ideas after the year is over, and then set my word! Is that cheating?
Right before I went skydiving for my bday, I bought a Tshirt that said: fearless. That’s when I decided that was my word for 2020. One of my best friends told me, I’m the only person she knows who would move during a lockdown and global pandemic! I take that as a compliment. FEARLESS!
But for 2021, I don’t know yet… All that comes to mind right now are cuss words! 😊
