Razor sharp confidence on setting my personal goals

Published 6:00 am Friday, January 4, 2019

Andrew Carnegie said, “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.”

I’ve been working for corporate America for longer than I care to admit, and I’m an expert at writing SMART goals. You are probably very familiar with SMART goals. They are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound objectives. I’ve written more SMART goals than you can shake a New Year’s resolution at. I’m pretty good at keeping them too — at least when it comes to work.

Personal goals? That’s a different story. This time of year, I find myself setting goals that seem all too familiar. They are familiar because they are identical to the personal goals I set last year. Sometimes that’s a good thing because I believe you really can’t read too many books. Sometimes not so good because I still carry the same 15 pounds I vowed to lose last January.

The reason I am writing a column about “personal goal-setting” is that recently I spoke on the subject to a group of fellow executive coaching students. I’m pleased to announce that I now consider myself something of a lay expert.

OK. At first I was nervous to take on the assignment. Business goals I know but asking me to speak on personal goal-setting to this group of uber professionals is a lot like asking me to speak to Joanna Gaines on “decorating with garland.”

As if.

Here’s the deal. Successful goal-setting requires that a person engage in some long-range thinking. Alas, when it come to my personal life, I define long-range thinking as “five minutes from now.” Even my husband was surprised when I told him about this project. This is a direct quote from him:

“Ha!”

I’m sure he meant it in the most supportive way, but still! Anyway, his response caused me to set the following personal goals as I was preparing for my presentation.

Goal #1: From now on, don’t tell husband you are speaking to professional coaches on the subject of setting personal goals.

Goal #2: Also don’t tell husband you are speaking to Joanna on “decorating with garland.” Goal #3: Just in case Joanna ever asks.

Goal #4: Don’t use your husband’s razor to shave your legs.

Goal #5: Unless your own is very, very dull.

Goal #6: If said husband asks if that’s his razor you’re using, tell him no.

Goal #7: He’ll be much happier that way, and a happy husband is a good thing. Goal #8: As Joanna would say.

Goal #9: Speaking of Joanna, don’t use Joanna’s razor either.

Just like that I felt ready to go — full of the confidence that comes from having practiced setting so many goals in such a short period of time. Hey! Who knew setting personal goals could be so easy!

Happy New Year!

CHRISTINA PIERCE is publisher of The Daily Iberian.