Latest news with #goalsetting
Fast Company
31-07-2025
- General
- Fast Company
Emotionally intelligent people use the 2-week rule to motivate themselves and reach their biggest goals
What's your elephant? Maybe you've heard that old saying: 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.' The idea is that the best way for tackling large, overwhelming tasks or projects is to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. But that doesn't address the obvious problem: Nobody wants to actually 'eat the elephant.' So, how do you motivate yourself to actually get started? I learned a great trick some years ago from fellow Inc. columnist Jeff Haden, author of The Motivation Myth. It's a technique founded on principles of emotional intelligence, the ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions effectively. Best of all, it's far simpler than you might expect—as you can tell from its name: The Two-Week Rule. What's the Two-Week Rule, and how can it help you beat procrastination, find motivation, and reach your biggest goals? It all comes down to the psychology of how motivation works, and how that knowledge can help you manage your emotions. (Sign up here for my free email emotional intelligence course.) How to use the Two-Week Rule to reach your biggest goals Over the years, Haden's had the chance to interview successful people like Shark Tank investor and billionaire Mark Cuban, NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal, and professional tennis great Venus Williams. Through those interviews, Haden learned some interesting things about the psychology of motivation. 'Motivation isn't something you get from the outside, nor is it something you find within,' Haden told me in a recent interview. 'Motivation is something you create through a cycle of a little bit of effort, a little bit of success that feels good—because it always feels good to get better at something—and that gives you enough motivation to get you to the next day.' 'That cycle just continues to repeat, and it can take you a really long way,' says Haden. In other words, while motivation is part of the cycle, it's not the beginning of the cycle. And here's where the two-week rule comes in. The two-week rule is about as simple as it sounds: Commit yourself to a project for two weeks. Then, evaluate your progress and decide whether you want to move forward. To illustrate, Haden uses the following example: Let's say you want to run a marathon. At the beginning, you may only be able to run a mile; still, you commit to training for two weeks. After day one, you're thinking there's no way you're ever going to be able to run the full race. This thing is hard, much harder than you anticipated. That fact alone is so overwhelming, you're tempted to give up. But you've committed to a full two weeks, so you force yourself to keep going. After a week, you still haven't seen much improvement. 'I'm sore,' you think to yourself. 'I'm tired. My knees hurt. I don't really enjoy this.' But you also think: 'Thank God I only have another week to go.' At the end of two weeks, though, things look different. You're a little faster. A little fitter. You've developed a new routine and you've found your flow. Now you say to yourself: 'Hey, I've actually gotten somewhere. I'm not at 26 miles yet, but I'm much better than when I started.' And that progress may be all you need to keep going. Why the Two-Week Rule works The beauty of this rule is you can commit to almost anything for two weeks. At the end of that time, you'll have data you can actually use to make a decision about moving forward—and many times, the motivation you need, too. But what if you can't even get yourself to commit for two weeks? Or, what if you try, and discover it's not really something you want to do? 'Then it's probably not a goal you wanted to achieve anyway,' Haden says. 'And that's a good thing—because if you try it and find out you don't really want it, it comes off your list of things you want to do. You get rid of the guilt associated with not doing it.' 'And now, you can focus on some of the things you really want to do instead.' So, whatever major project you're trying to tackle, try the two-week rule: Commit to doing it for just two weeks. Once you do, you'll finally have gotten started eating the elephant. And at the end of those two weeks, there's a good chance you'll have improved your efforts, you're starting to see progress, and most importantly, you've found the motivation to keep going.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Power Of Goal Setting: A Path To Clarity And Success
A pioneer in her industry, coaching leaders since 2000, Sara Ellis Conant is Co-Founder & CEO of a)plan coaching. Setting goals is one of the most powerful tools for realizing your dreams in any area of life. Whether personal or professional, strategic or tactical, effective goal setting provides direction, motivation and a sense of accomplishment. While some people may worry that setting goals feels restrictive or limits spontaneity, the truth is that setting goals sets you free. It empowers you to define your own path, make intentional choices and create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. As you'll see from the five techniques and real-life examples below, goal setting can help you create success and fulfillment in all areas of your life! What Is Goal Setting? Goal setting can be thought of as planning, visioning, dreaming or strategic planning. It is the process of identifying what you want to accomplish and outlining steps to make it happen. When approached thoughtfully, goal setting becomes a roadmap to achievement, offering clarity and focus in both personal and professional pursuits. Common Misconceptions About Goal Setting Some people resist goal setting because it feels restrictive or imposes on spontaneity. However, the reality is quite the opposite. When you set goals: • You are in control. You define your own objectives, rather than letting circumstances dictate your path. • You gain flexibility. Having a plan doesn't mean you can't change course; it simply gives you a foundation to build upon. • You reduce decision fatigue. Knowing what you want allows you to focus on execution rather than constant re-evaluation. • You adapt more easily. Unexpected challenges become easier to navigate when you have a clear vision. Five Techniques For Effective Goal Setting To harness the full potential of goal setting, consider these five techniques. Instead of viewing goals as constraints, recognize that they empower you to make informed choices and align your actions with your highest priorities. For example, one of my clients who is a university professor and new mother realized that she wasn't finding time for her own self-care, from sleep to exercise to seeing friends. We worked together to design her ideal schedule and take steps to implement it, including declining nonessential work meetings and arranging childcare so she could hike with friends. Clarity is key. Break down your goals into different areas of life, such as finances, health, career, relationships and recreation. Think in terms of what you want to do, have and be. Writing down your goals increases commitment and enhances your ability to achieve them. Another client wanted to pursue a promotion and a raise. By clarifying his desired timeline for the promotion and the amount of the raise, he was able to bring those goals to his manager and HR business partner to learn what he could do to make them a reality. There's rarely just one way to achieve a goal. Brainstorm multiple paths to success and remain open to new ideas. Collaborating with others can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. When coaching anyone on how to improve any area of their life, I invite them to invent at least 10 possible ways to achieve a single goal, including some seemingly wild or outrageous ideas. There are always dozens of different ways to get from where you are now to where you want to be. The MAPs process allows you to think about ideas you've never considered and say things you've never said, so that you can create results you've never had. Not all goals hold the same weight. Categorize them by priority: • A – Must achieve (Passion or Promise) • B – Preferred but not urgent (Plan or Preference) • C – Possible but optional (Possibility or Option) • O – Obligation (Tasks required but not deeply motivating) Additionally, setting deadlines and identifying accountability partners increases the likelihood of success. Another example comes from coaching teams that want to improve collaboration. Because team members inevitably have varied opinions, it's important to first brainstorm many different tactics or sub-goals (technique 3 above) and then prioritize them. After prioritizing each aspect's goal or sub-goal, it's easier for the team to determine clear timelines and owners to support implementation and lasting change. Goal setting isn't just a one-time activity—it's an ongoing process. Schedule regular check-ins to review progress, adjust goals as needed and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. By incorporating reflection and celebration, you can reinforce motivation and sustain long-term commitment to your goals. Whether coaching an individual or a team, we always take time to celebrate progress toward goals, usually at the start of the session. Tracking micro-accomplishments motivates people to keep going because they can see progress toward their goals. Take Action: Define Your Next Steps Now that you've explored these five key goal-setting techniques and real-life examples, take a moment to reflect. What is one goal you're excited to pursue? How can you apply these strategies to make it a reality? Remember, goal setting isn't just about reaching the finish line—it's about the journey, growth and transformation along the way. Start today and create your future! Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
UAE Moments
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♐ Sagittarius Daily Horoscope for July 5, 2025
You're craving expansion today—mentally, emotionally, maybe even geographically. The world feels wide open, and you're ready to chase something exciting. With the Moon in Capricorn, your adventurous fire is being grounded just enough to help you get focused on the bigger picture. It's not just about dreaming today—it's about mapping it out. Time to mix your wanderlust with a solid plan. 💼 Career & Ambitions: You've got big ideas, but the magic is in the execution. Today is perfect for laying the foundation for a long-term goal—especially something involving education, publishing, or travel. Be bold but strategic. Dream it, then blueprint it. 💖 Love & Relationships: You want deep conversations over surface-level flirting today. If you're single, you might find yourself drawn to someone with ambition and brains. Already paired up? Discuss future plans together—it could bring a surprising spark. 💪 Body & Wellness: Your energy's a slow burn today. Think hiking, stretching, or anything steady and rhythmic. Your body will thank you for choosing something that builds strength instead of burning you out. 🧠 Mental Health Check: You're feeling unusually practical for a Sagittarius—and that's a gift. Use it to cut through any mental clutter and set goals that actually align with your bigger vision. Clarity is your mental reset.
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Prepare For Your Mid-Year Review With 20 Insightful Questions
Mid-year review with your manager at the office Are you preparing for your mid-year review and unsure where to start? This is a common topic I discuss with my clients at this time of year. Mid-year reviews can be more than just performance checks. They can offer a valuable chance to advance your career, revisit your goals, and strengthen your relationship with your manager or team. However, to maximize the benefits of this conversation, thorough preparation is essential. For me, mid-year reviews were always intimidating and anxious moments, where I would just sit and listen to what wasn't good enough. So I want you to experience it differently. What if it isn't just a time to receive feedback, but a chance to get curious, ask thoughtful questions, and deepen mutual understanding? Whether you're an employee or a manager, this conversation is a valuable pause to check alignment, explore goals, and uncover needs that may not surface in day-to-day work. The right questions can bring clarity, boost motivation, and ensure you're not just going through the motions but growing with intention. Whether you're leading the review or on the receiving end, asking the right questions can turn a routine meeting into a powerful coaching moment. Below are question lists for both employees and managers to spark curiosity, encourage open dialogue, and make your mid-year review more productive and motivating. Questions Employees Should Bring to a Mid-Year Review If you're an employee walking into your mid-year review, don't just show up with a list of accomplishments. But on the other side, don't just come asking what was wrong. Asking questions as an employee is also a way to show your confidence and curiosity. Come prepared to ask questions that demonstrate initiative, seek feedback, and express your desire to grow. Remember, open-ended questions like starting with what, how, or where are always more helpful than yes or no questions, as they can encourage even the quietest manager to share more details about what you need. Questions Managers Should Ask During a Mid-Year Review Mid-year reviews aren't just a time to evaluate performance—they're an opportunity to lead with curiosity. A curious manager doesn't assume they know everything happening around them. Instead, they ask questions to understand each employee's experience, strengths, challenges, and aspirations. A curious manager also refrains from jumping straight to ratings or outcomes, because focusing only on results can put employees on the defensive or make them feel like they need to fight or flee (that's how I felt; that is why these conversations were intimidating to me). Instead, ask thoughtful questions to uncover what's truly driving or blocking your employees, how they feel about their work, and what they need to succeed in the second half of the year. As Richard Boyatzis states in his book 'Helping People Change,' when you focus on progress—the things you've achieved so far and where you want to go, rather than what's missing, your PEA (positive emotional attractor) is activated, and you shine. Your eyes brighten, and your speech speeds up. You become more open to possibilities and feel renewed and curious. As a leader, you can approach this performance review as an honest conversation, with genuine curiosity and a coach mindset. Below are questions that can help uncover what your employees truly need to thrive and how you can support them in doing their best work. A mid-year review shouldn't be approached with fear, they're a chance to pause, reflect, and get curious about what's possible. When both employees and managers come to the conversation with openness and a growth mindset, it becomes less about judgment and more about opportunity. Asking thoughtful questions helps uncover what's working, what's needed, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. No pressure, just focus on progress for both.
Entrepreneur
02-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
I Build My Year With One Word — Why You Should Too
This is how I use one word to lead better, live sharper and stay focused. This is why you should try it next year. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Here's one thing no one tells you: You don't need a list of resolutions to change your life. You just need one word. As I write this, we're almost exactly halfway through the year. 2026 is right in front of us. This is when most people forget what they said they'd focus on. I double down. Every January, I pick a word. One word to carry with me through the chaos, wins, losses and curveballs of the year. It becomes a filter for everything I do. I keep it simple and intentional. And it works. My focus filter I started doing this when I realized that goal-setting had become a check-the-box exercise. You write a list. You feel good for a week. Then life gets busy, and that list turns into clutter. Picking one word cuts through the noise. My word this year is WIN. That word shows up everywhere. It reminds me to focus. To move with urgency. To focus on results without losing my grip on what matters. WIN isn't about beating someone else. It's about being relentless with follow-through. Showing up when it counts. Pushing the needle. Owning the outcome. Making the decision, not waiting for permission. Winning doesn't always look like a trophy. Sometimes it looks like saying no. Sometimes it looks like trying again. This word calls me to ask: Is this a win? Not just for business, but for my mindset, my family, my team and my time. That's what makes it powerful. It's a word that checks me. It sharpens me. It stretches me. This is what I mean when I say bring meaning to the word. It starts as a guidepost. It becomes part of how you show up. Related: Are You a Winner? How to Truly Define Winning in Your Business One word. Many contexts. Some years the word is loud. Other years, it's quiet. Sometimes it lives in your head. Other times, it lands in a conversation that sticks with you. Your word shifts as you grow. A single word can carry weight across your business, your relationships, your faith and your mindset. This works because it stays flexible. It works because it fits real life. Forget the overhead You don't need a new app. You don't need a template, a whiteboard or a checklist. You just need one word. One word that makes you sit up a little straighter. One word that reminds you when you forget. One word that holds up when everything else starts slipping. This isn't about optimization. It's about clarity. It is also easy to remember. Don't underestimate processes that make your life easier. Sometimes, those are the best ones. I don't track my word in a spreadsheet. I don't write it on my mirror. I just keep it with me. It becomes part of how I move through the world. Related: 8 Winning Strategies for Succeeding in a Hyper-Competitive Market Words give direction Let me tell you something else I've learned. The word you choose will challenge you. It'll show up in places you didn't expect. It might frustrate you, hold up a mirror, or push you out of autopilot. That's not a flaw in the system. That's the whole point. You're not choosing a mascot. You're choosing a message. One that lives with you for 365 days. One that asks you questions and doesn't always give easy answers. This isn't about buzzwords or branding. This is about accountability. A good word builds tension. The kind that moves you forward. A strong word points you forward. The word brings clarity. It gives language to your process. It helps you measure decisions. Should I take that deal? Should I say yes to that partnership? Should I spend my time here? Run it through the word. You filter food through your diet. You filter money through your budget. You can filter your choices through one clear idea. Let that word lead. Let it guide how you show up, how you speak, how you recover and how you grow. Related: How I Turned My Learning Disabilities Into a Superpower What's your word? If this is your first time hearing about choosing a word of the year, consider this your invitation. You don't need a strategy or a system. You just need the willingness to try something new. You've got six months left in this year. That's plenty of time to bring focus to the second half. Or you can bank this idea and start fresh in January. There's nothing wrong with a word (of the second half) of the year. Pick a word that fits where you're headed. A word that you want to grow into. A word that reflects the kind of person you want to be when the year ends. Let it challenge you. Let it check you. Let it shape you. You don't have to overthink it. You just have to commit to it. Try it next year. See what happens when your entire year is guided by one word with real meaning. One word. One year. Try it.
