There is merit in setting stretch goals, but we need to manage how we react to failure. If we don’t, we may ultimately end up demotivating ourselves.
- Try celebrating small wins. Suppose your goal was to read 100 books in the year and you read only 12; it’s proof enough that you’re capable of making a change for the better.
- Don’t dwell on the failure. Think about what worked and what didn’t. Then, use that information to be more strategic next time.
- Think about “accidental” or related benefits. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. What did you learn about yourself along the way?
- Ask a trusted friend why they think you failed. Sometimes a reality check from a good source can help you better understand yourself.
Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here.
Every December, many of us find ourselves scribbling resolutions at the back of our journals or making mental notes of what we’ll achieve the following year. Yet, one study suggests that a mere 19% of people achieve those same goals over the following two years.
