Around my birthday and at the very end of the year, I naturally seem to lean into setting intentions and planning for success, both on and off the golf course. It’s a period of reflection and forward-thinking that I LOVE and find wildly cathartic now that I have more control over my career. It helps set the stage for achievements in the coming year, sure, but it also helps me get jazzed about the golf season.
For those who’ve asked, here’s a glimpse into my favorite goal-setting exercises and how you can apply them to both golf and your personal life:
Reflect, Review, Reset The process starts with posting up somewhere comfortable, free of distractions, and focusing on reflection. I prefer hotel rooms, personally, you do you. Look back at the past year – what were your triumphs in golf and life? What lessons did the fairways teach you? Acknowledge your growth and the areas where you faced challenges. This exercise isn’t just about tallying scores or accomplishments; it’s about understanding where you are, the hurdles you overcame, and taking stock of the resilience you’ve displayed.
SMART Goals for the Green and Beyond Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals is an incredibly effective acronym. I know this seems like common knowledge, but even I need to be reminded of this structure from time to time. For golf, this might mean aiming to lower your handicap by a certain number or mastering a particular shot within a particular time frame. In life, it could be about professional development, personal well-being, or fostering relationships. The key is to make your goals clear and actionable.
Visualize Success Visualization isn’t just a powerful tool in golf; it’s a game-changer in life too. Spend time visualizing yourself achieving your goals. See yourself sinking that bajillion foot long putt no pro can even make consistently or excelling in a new role at work. Visualization builds confidence and prepares your mind to embrace success. The next time you see me, tell me everything about where you’re at and where you see yourself. I’m all ears!
Quarterly Check-Ins The real hot girl magic happens in the breakdown of these goals into smaller, manageable tasks. #Slay. This is where the quarterly check-ins come into play. Every new quarter is an opportunity to review your progress, celebrate small victories, and adjust your strategies if necessary. This method keeps me focused and on track, ensuring goals don’t get lost in the daily grind. I set a calendar reminder for the first day of each quarter and it has become ingrained into my routine.
Accountability Whether it’s a golf bestie or a mentor at work, having someone to share your goals with can significantly increase your chances of success. You know this. So why isn’t the first thing we do once our goals are created? Call me anytime and I, your #1 fan, will offer support, motivation, and a different perspective when you’re facing challenges.
Embrace Flexibility While it’s great to have a clear plan, let’s remind each other that life, much like golf, can be unpredictable (cue torn ACL 6 days before my wedding and getting married in Jordans – sans socks). Be prepared to adapt and be flexible with your goals as circumstances change. This is where the quarterly check-ins can be super helpful. The ability to pivot and adjust is just as important as the ability to set goals.
Celebrate Every Win Lastly, don’t forget to intentionally build in celebrating your achievements, no matter how small. Every step forward is progress and deserves recognition. Celebrating these moments boosts my morale and motivates me to keep pushing towards larger goals. I get burnt out at times, and this has been a remedy. That and hot girl naps.
As we coast into the new year, armed with our plans and aspirations, can we please all agree to remind each other that embracing the path toward achieving our goals is as important as the destination. Really, I am asking all of you to remind me of this!! Okay? TYSM
Whether it’s improving our golf game or enhancing our personal lives, the discipline, focus, and joy we find in the pursuit of our goals are what truly define our success. Here’s to a year of setting goals, obliterating them, and finding fulfillment in every swing and every step we take!
Wishing you all a safe New Year’s Eve and an amazing 2024!
