Make choices that make a difference by setting personal and professional goals, explains Rebecca Mander
Who needs a new you? No matter who you are or where you are, chasing a new version is telling yourself the current version isn’t ‘enough’.
Stay exactly who you are, right there and take the pressure off. You don’t need to become a different person, but you can make choices that make a difference. You can set goals for your personal and professional life and this month seems as good as any to show you how!
Remember, goal setting is about mapping out a plan and turning dreams into reality. As Antoine de St Exupèry said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish!” How many years have passed when you wish you had achieved more for yourself? Career or life mapping is about stretching oneself and supporting you as you leave that cosy comfort zone.
Goal setting is not telling yourself you should be richer, happier, or healthier.
Anyway…where do the SHOULDs come from? Who makes up these rules? Gorgeous people on social media, strangers showing how clean their home is or how clever their kids are???
Stop with the SHOULDs! Instead this year, why not speak to yourself the way you would to your best friend? Be kind to you. Show yourself compassion and make choices that are for you.
If your choice is to structure your year in a certain way, professionally or personally then I have the guide for you!
My Ultimate Guide to Goal Setting
Based on my Bounce Mindset® Framework, I am going to share my ultimate guide to goal setting. This proven method will help you choose the right mindset, identify and visualise your goals, plan your approach, and execute with clarity, empowering you to achieve even the most ambitious dreams.
In 2007, my life as a working mum of two lovely boys with a wonderful husband and a brilliant job was turned upside down when we lost our youngest son, Charlie. The grief and pain were overwhelming, and I faced the most daunting goal of my life: rebuilding a sense of normalcy for myself and my family.
In those dark days, I found hope in a conversation with another mum who had also lost her child. Her story gave me the strength to believe that the goal of healing was possible. Supported by my family, friends, and faith, we defied the odds and rebuilt our lives to become the happy family we are today.
Looking back, I didn’t have the structured approach we’re about to explore, but I now know that my method can make even the toughest goals attainable; 1 in 3 people on our Bounce Mindset Programme get promoted so I know Charlie’s legacy works.
As a coach, I’ve seen clients use this method to achieve life-changing goals, from buying their first home to landing dream jobs or planning significant life events. Now, it’s your turn to embrace this transformative process.
Step 1: Choose Your Mindset
The foundation of effective goal setting lies in adopting the right mindset. Are you currently in a victor or a victim mindset? This choice shapes how you approach challenges and opportunities.
Victim Mindset
Focuses on what’s wrong, who’s to blame, and what can’t be done. It’s reactive and limits growth. Common thoughts include, “Why does this always happen to me?” or “This is out of my control.” While understandable in moments of stress, staying in this mindset prevents progress.
Victor Mindset
Prioritises what’s within your control, takes proactive ownership, and seeks solutions. A victor mindset reframes challenges into opportunities, asking, “What can I do to improve this situation?” or “Who can help me?”
Exercise
Write down your current concerns and categorise them into two columns:
- Things you can control (e.g., your actions, responses).
- Things you can’t control (e.g., others’ opinions, external circumstances). Reflect on how much energy you spend on each category. Redirect your focus to the actionable column.
Why This Matters
Choosing a victor mindset doesn’t mean ignoring challenges; it means facing them with clarity and purpose. This shift is the first step in building resilience and achieving long-term success.
Step 2: Identify Your Goal
What is your HUGG (Huge Unbelievably Great Goal)? While smaller goals have their place, aiming high pushes us to dream big, step out of our comfort zones, and achieve what once seemed impossible.
Why Huge Goals Matter
- They Stretch Your Comfort Zone: Big goals force you to confront fears and doubts. Stepping outside your comfort zone develops resilience, adaptability, and self-confidence.
- They Inspire Action and Focus: HUGGs create a clear, compelling vision that motivates consistent action. They help you prioritise tasks that align with your goal and turn down distractions.
- They Encourage Innovation: Achieving ambitious goals often requires thinking outside the box. This fosters creativity and a mindset of continuous improvement.
- They Foster Resilience: Big goals keep you motivated to overcome obstacles. Each step forward reinforces your ability to adapt and persevere.
- They Drive Long-Term Fulfilment: While smaller goals offer short-term satisfaction, huge goals provide a deeper sense of accomplishment. The journey itself enriches your life with skills, connections, and experiences.
Reflection
If I could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for that you have some control over? Write down one goal that feels both exciting and slightly daunting. Then ask yourself, “Why does this goal matter to me? How will achieving it improve my life?” Connecting your goals to your values enhances your commitment.
Step 3: Visualise Your Goal
Did you know your brain cannot distinguish between a vividly imagined scenario and reality? Visualisation is a powerful tool that primes your mind for success. Neuroscience shows that mental rehearsal activates the same brain regions as actual performance, making your vision feel achievable.
Examples of Successful Visualisation
- Jim Carrey wrote himself a $10 million cheque for “acting services rendered.” Years later, he earned that exact amount for Dumb and Dumber.
- Michael Phelps visualised every stroke of his races, even imagining scenarios like swimming blind when his goggles filled with water. This preparation helped him win Olympic gold when the unexpected happened.
- A study by the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio demonstrated that people could improve bicep strength by 13.5% through visualisation alone.
Activity
Close your eyes and imagine your goal in vivid detail. Picture the steps you take, the obstacles you overcome, and the moment of achievement. Write down the sensory details: What do you see, hear, and feel?
Why Visualisation Works
Mental imagery reinforces confidence, reduces anxiety, and enhances focus. Incorporate this practice daily to stay aligned with your goals.
Step 4: Plan Your Approach- Backwards!!
Once you’ve identified and visualised your HUGG, it’s time to break it into actionable steps. Use the SMART criteria to ensure your plan is:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Exercise
Create a pyramid or get in touch to download my new ebook for your own interactive copy and detailed instructions. There is an image of one here for you to use. For each step, work backwards down the HUGG pyramid, thinking about what steps you will be taking at each stage.
Step 5: Execute with Accountability and Confidence!
Execution and low levels of self-belief are where many goals falter. To stay on track:
Keep a Positive Attitude Log!
A daily journal to help build self-confidence. If you don’t have oneand if low confidence is getting in your way of great goal setting, we got you! Click the link at the bottom of the article for more information.
Find an Accountability Partner
Share your goal with someone who will support and challenge you. Your line manager or a colleague who knows the industry could be great for this if your goal is career focused.
Review Progress Regularly
Schedule time to assess what’s working and adjust your approach as needed.
The Bounce Mindset® Framework isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about transforming the way you think, act, and persevere. By choosing a victor mindset, identifying your HUGG, visualising success, planning your approach, and executing with clarity, you can achieve what once seemed impossible.
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