This year has thrown a wrench in everyone’s plans, sometimes it might seem difficult to think about future projects and goals, things have been changing from one week to another one and it seems harder tho to think about next week, and much more to next year or at 5 years from now.
But there is still a big value in setting goals and objectives for your future, the key to make them work is now to think about those plans differently, watching them from a different perspective and in a more creative way.
Here there are three exercises to help you stay motivated to hit your big picture goals in 2021.
Current me and Future me
Draw a picture of yourself, define your key characteristics and state of mind, be honest and don’t be scared of writing also less positive things, it might emerge that you are not in you best state of mind or even just a little bit tired or burned out. But once you analyzed your current state of mind it is going to be easier to picture where you would like to be or how you would like to appear.
The exercise is called “Current Me vs. Future Me” and is useful to do it every now an then to keep up the spirit and find yourself looking more and more like your future you.
It might be tempting to skip the drawing and just make two lists of each version of yourself, but I don’t suggest it. The more time and effort you put into the exercise, the more it sticks with you. Take the opportunity to associate goal-setting with fun and creativity.
If anything, you can use the sunk cost fallacy to your advantage. Every time you look back at your drawings (try to do it monthly), you’ll be more invested in making that Future you a reality.
Self-care habit design
Start thinking of self-care as any habit you can do that will support your mind or body while you pursue your goals. Maybe it is an outdoor activity, but it can also be getting to bed by 11:00 p.m. What are the ideal habits that make the most impact on your overall sense of well-being? How can you seamlessly incorporate them into your daily/weekly life?
While you practice these habits, keep in mind their larger purpose: They each support your ability to pursue your goals. In this way, achieving your big picture goals will become your lifestyle.
Rather than a project you work on here and there, it’s something you take action on every single day.
Ideal world contribution
This year has probably brought to light many things we’d like to change in the world, but if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t exist in a bubble.We also don’t achieve our goals in a bubble. When you achieve a goal, the impact it has doesn’t stop there, and it doesn’t stop at you.
There’s a positive side effect to reaching your goals. You naturally inspire others to do the same. The desire to see oneself improve is contagious. And as more and more people are bringing their best self to the world, the world becomes a little more ideal each time.
Naturally, your own drive to become your best self will sometimes waver. If you find yourself asking, “What I am doing all of this for?” keep the big picture in mind. You’re doing your part for the world.
