In the January series, 4 Cs to Crush Your Intentions, we’ve discussed practical ways to bring your goals to life. So far, we’ve talked through a framework of Care, Confidence, and Capacity. The last C in the series is Clarity.
You might think Clarity is about setting a big, bold vision. That’s one aspect, but let’s keep going. Expand your thinking and see a triangle. The bottom part is your vision, the right side is reserved for projects or habits that need a tune-up, and the remaining side is what needs to get put in a box to the left.
Does the idea of working all three sides give you a case of the groans? Don’t worry—that’s a common response. In fact, the Nobel Prize-winning Prospect theory confirms that the human brain loves safety and hates risk and loss.
But you’re in control of your mindset. So, change seeing Clarity as something that could make you feel bad or undercuts your personal power. Instead, it’s as simple as taking inventory.
And keep reminding yourself: Tasks and circumstances that initially feel hard to look at aren’t who you are—they’re just what you’re doing right now. (Ahhh, exhale.)
So, let’s add one more item to your annual goals list. If you really want to transform your future, you’ll have to make progress on something that makes you a little uncomfortable.
Here’s a list of common habits that might stand in the way of your best interests. And there’s a silver lining to facing them head-on: You gain marketable people skills:
* Accidental Overwhelm: Leave keeping up with the latest social media trend to others. Discernment will help you play the real game, and that’s building a life you care about and a stellar reputation.
* Blank Page Syndrome: You may be going through ups and downs, but something is working. For instance, you may feel like you’ll never master a new tool at work. However, give yourself credit for excellent character traits—like having the integrity and diligence to show up daily to learn. Show yourself the same compassion you give others.
* Over Criticizing: Make emotional intelligence an area of constant improvement. For instance, perhaps you’ll keep your optimistic nature, then temper it with realism and facts. Or maybe you’ll find ways to be more resilient so you recover faster after tough days. Put nitpicking in a box and throw away the key.
* False Positivity: Practice essential critical thinking skills and courageously assess the good, the bad, and the ugly like you’re seeing a situation for the first time. For example, it’s ok to delete a goal that seemed cool on New Year’s Day, but you no longer give a flip. Encourage yourself without slipping into self-deception.
* Thinking Small: Build healthy self-confidence by advocating for yourself. If you think your job description is too small, change it. And if you’re already doing more, schedule that meeting showcasing your contributions.
Here’s a recap of what we’ve learned. Each C works independently, but combining all four is the way to turbocharge your goals:
We began the series with a quote from Earl Nightingale: “You are, at this moment, standing right in the middle of your own acres of diamonds.” The way to shine like a diamond is to exchange a list of things for soft skill goals like honing stellar communication, superb judgment, and insight. Act like the creative, wise CEO of your life—a Soul Boss—and make this the year you crush your intentions with people know-how.