Goal setting is one of the most popular things business people do in January. We begin with such high hopes. If you even remember the resolutions you made on January 1, you may have already fallen behind. In my Vistage groups this month we watched Daniel Pink’s YouTube video Design 2026. He created a workbook we used to scribe our thoughts as we worked through the exercises on regrets, learnings, actions plans, etc. We set 90 day plans and will revisit them quarterly.
Pink suggested we come up with one word that would encapsulate the actions/habits that would lead to the success we want in 2026. For him it was ship. He had not written as much as he wanted in 2025. So for 2026, the goal was to get work completed and shipped. When given an opportunity to go in a new direction, or a distraction that seemed enticing, reminding himself to ship would get him back on track.
He also set up the conditions for success. He blocked out 3 hours every morning for writing. He prepared the day before. He had everything in place, ready to go. He suggested that if your goal was to get more exercise, don’t just block the time. Put out your clothes, shoes, etc. where you have to see them as you stumble out of bed in the morning to eliminate friction/roadblocks to success.
Pink suggested taking the next 2 weeks and blocking out on your calendar the activities that move the goals forward. Set up the tools you need and practice. Evaluate if the activities will get you to your goal and adjust.
I did pretty well for the first 2 weeks then went on vacation. I will be back at it this coming week. My plan is clear. Is yours?
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