2020 will be the year you achieve your goals!

Often, we set out to reinvent ourselves both professionally and personally. Yet, more often than not, we fail to take action. Why?

What is it that really holds us back?

Is it a lack of resources?

Is it because we don’t have the advantage of a large network? Or, is it a combination of multiple factors?

In my understanding, fear is the main factor that keeps us from fulfilling or even starting the process of reinventing who we are and becoming who we wish to be.

Face The Fear

Fear is an emotion provoked by alleged danger or threat and ultimately it hinders our action.

Studies show that social anxieties are the most common type of fear. For example, interacting with unfamiliar people, attending parties or social gatherings, starting conversations, and going to work at a new location are all forms of social phobia.

As you reach the thought of goal setting for 2020 career change, understand that the ‘universe’ is already rigged in your favor. If you can think it, it is possible.

Our thought process is a reflection of how we feel emotionally, which essentially illustrates human behavior. It is imperative to welcome failure as a part of the process of goal setting.

When you allow yourself to recognize disappointment as a part of the course, you are psychologically preparing yourself for the process of changing and achieving your goals.

Change The Script

The common rule in goal setting is to do something different to get the results that you hope for.

For example, if you would like to be a better spouse to your partner, you must change internally how you view your relationship and give your relationship as much attention as you give your interests. Or, if you would like to change the fact that you are late for work day-after-day, you must change the dynamics of how you view being late all the time.

Create an Action Plan

There are no specifics when it comes to goal setting–it is a process that can be both collective or distinctive. However, goal setting has to be realistic and actionable.

It is important that we think about the results we desire before setting a goal; take a closer look at what you’re trying to achieve and, determine if it is even in your capacity to achieve it.

Take Stock of Capacity

Knowing your limitations is another critical part of goal setting. For example, as I decided to further my education, I knew that math was one of the subject matters that I didn’t master. As a result, I reassessed my options and recognized that working with people was an innate gift I possessed.

I discovered that Human Services and Social Work were majors were I only needed basic math (statistics). Knowing my limitations, I still was able to accomplish my goal of graduating from college, which was the ultimate goal.

Fear is Temporary

Fear is a powerful emotion that has the potential to have a very strong effect on your mind and body, which winds up impeding goal attainment.

On the other hand, fear can also be a catalyst for achieving something great.

For instance, fearing career failure can influence one to excel to prevent personal disappointment, but it can also stop one from doing well if the feeling is too strong or remain present for long periods of time.

Getting past fear is a skill that anyone can learn when it applies to setting goals.

I like to refer to the slogan by NIKE: “Just Do It.” With that being said, identify what are your sincere desires, define your “WHYs” and its genuine importance; embrace the fear and disappointments.

Bottom-Line

In a quote by Jean Houston, he stated: “If you keep telling the same, sad small story, you will keep living the same, sad, small life.”

Thomas Jefferson indicated: “If you want something you never had, you have to do something you never had.”

F.E.A.R. has two meanings:

Forget Everything And Run

Face Everything And Rise

You decide.

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Shelton Watson is a knowledge seeker, mentor, and professional blogger. He holds a master’s degree in social work from Yeshiva University. He offers an academic and career foundation with a focus on bettering the human condition, which adds a distinguishing insight into his creative, evidence-based, and inspiring articles.