Goal Setting for Introverts

Goal Setting for Introverts

 

Goal setting seems relatively simple. You define what you’d like to achieve and take the necessary steps to make those goals a reality. However, setting and achieving a goal is more than simply deciding and hoping you’ll get there. Each year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions.

 

Few of those people are still on track after just 10 days.

 

Sound familiar?

 

If setting and achieving goals were easy, there would be a lot more happy and successful people in the world. However, you can be one of the few people to master setting and achieving goals.

 

Set goals and achieve them more reliably:

 

1. Set goals that are meaningful. Introverts tend to have an advantage here as they’re more inclined to do things they enjoy. Life is short, so create goals that fill you with excitement when you think about achieving them – you’ll be much more motivated to get there. Set goals that mean a lot to you.

2. Use small, incremental behavioural changes. Change can be done easily if the changes are small. This requires patience.

• Imagine attempting to make an overnight change from being a quiet, comfortable introvert to someone who is more socially outgoing. Your mind would revolt. Small changes each day are needed to help you move towards your goal allowing time to make any necessary adjustments along the way.

3. Keep goals believable. Introverts tend to set realistic goals. It’s not that introverts are negative (although sometimes others view it that way) but introverts have a real sense of what is possible. If deep down you believe you’re unlikely to achieve your goal, you’re unlikely to make much progress towards achieving it. The perfect goal is challenging, but not so challenging that you feel overwhelmed.

4. Track your progress. Measuring your progress is extremely important. Measurement provides information on how well you’re doing. You can’t really know if you’re making progress toward your goal if you don’t measure it. Reviewing your progress gives you the opportunity to adjust your strategy as needed to achieve your goal. 

• It can also provide a boost of enthusiasm and positivity. When you’re making progress, you feel motivated to continue. Remember to celebrate your success!

5. Be prepared for setbacks. Again, introverts have an edge here as their sense of realism helps them know that achieving any goal is rarely a smooth process. There will be setbacks and poor results. Rather than reject your goal when the going gets tough, be prepared for setbacks.

• Have a plan in place to deal with setbacks and frustration. Introverts tend to avoid reaching out for help, but isolation is your enemy. Call on people who will be objective, positive and help you find the right solution.

• Take some time to learn from your setback. Avoid judgement or blame, this will really serve no purpose. Journaling can be a valuable tool to reflect and serve as a reminder of how temporary setbacks are, helping you move forward.

Goals are necessary if you want to consciously make progress at work and in life. Everything else is a matter of luck and circumstance. Most people struggle to set and achieve goals. Set and pursue your goals intelligently. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

 

If you’re an introvert who would like help reaching your goals, contact me to arrange a chat.