Is it thrilling? … Is it important? … Is it daunting?
These are the three questions that Michel Bungay Stainer (MBS) asks me to think about as I watch his thought-provoking session ‘How to begin’ in conversation with Marshall Goldsmith. It’s that time of the year when plans and resolutions that are made for the new year are being put to the test. As we charter our way into 2022, for some of us it could be an opportunity for a fresh start in a new space or place. For others, maybe a chance to reset, where we turn the counter back to zero and begin again, or let go of limiting beliefs and mindsets. Stated or unstated many of us have goals identified.
In his new book aptly titled “How to begin” MBS shines a light on how to go after not just any goal, but what he calls “Worthy Goals”. It was a powerful exercise for me to check in on some of my goals for 2022 and see if they truly were worthy of my time, attention, and effort. The thrilling, important, and daunting test helped filter through the list.
In a recent session with my coach, I happened to be working on crystallising my goal and she asked me a wonderful question. “Who are you being when you are doing these things?” It slowed me down. Made me pause and reflect on how my priorities align with me, my mission, my values, my core strengths.
Both these experiences, watching the MBS video and working with my coach had a powerful impact on how I shape my “worthy goals” for 2022. In his talk, MBS refers to a quote by Churchill. “We shape our buildings and then they shape us”. So, spending time on choosing a worthy goal is truly a worthy goal. Like buildings, goals are much the same in the way they shape us. If we give enough thought and care to creating and giving shape to worthy goals, they will shape the minutes, days, and weeks of our lives. And if we are being our best selves in pursuit of those goals, then we own them in a different way.
Another favourite saying is “where you focus energy flows”. Taking the time to give shape to worthy goals, is defining where and how your energy will be directed. There are only so many minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months that we all have on this beautiful planet. Using our time well, is an idea well worth pursuing.
Many a time goals are imposed by self or others. I ought to do this. I need to do this. If I don’t do this… these conditions come from self, society, bosses, spouses, siblings, and a host of others who shape our lives. On top of those goals if you sprinkle a dash of your unique flavour and capability, suddenly they align and transform into a way for you to show up in the world with a special energy that is uniquely you. The element that is a game changer is when you find a way to make those goals worthy of your time and attention, and suddenly they become your own. It shifts from “I have to do this” to “I need to do this” or even better “I want to do this” … simply because it helps me, to be me doing what I was meant to do. And that is the key that unlocks so many doors. Oh, the places you’ll go, in pursuit of worthy goals.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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