Focused Moments: April

Adjust Your Focus. Transform Your Life.

Sometimes goals are like new shoes–they just don’t fit.

I recently went shopping for a new pair of sandals. My feet are difficult to fit, so I don’t look forward to shoe shopping. In addition, my husband and I had spent the day shopping with my kids and ended the day at the shoe store. I was exhausted. Probably not the best time to make a purchase.

I tried on a pair of sandals from a brand that usually fits me. They felt comfortable and were on sale, so I bought two pairs in different colors.

However, after wearing them for a week, my toe hurt and was red by the end of each day. I thought it was just a matter of breaking them in, but it didn’t improve. I finally just gave the shoes away.

​
I had made the mistake of buying new shoes after a long day, so they felt more comfortable than they really were. Plus, they rubbed after longer wear, so there was no way for me to know in the store that they weren’t a good fit.

The experience reminded me of a similar realization I had about my goals for the quarter. I thought the goals fit. But after trying them for a week or so, I realized they just didn’t.

So what did I do wrong?

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

I just needed time to try on the goal to find out it wasn’t the right fit.

​

So my next step was to reevaluate it. Could I revise it as a SMARTER goal? Or should I replace it with a new goal?

I considered the following questions as I looked at my goals:

1. How did I feel about my goal this week?
2. Did my goal fit Full Focus Co.’s SMARTER goal framework?
3. Does it fit in the goal domain I need to work on?
4. Does it fit into the bigger picture of what I want to achieve? Or does it take away from my focus on what I really want?
5. Does it fit into my values?

​
After reviewing my goals, I realized that one of them was worth continuing. The issue wasn’t the goal, it was that I didn’t have a clear plan for achieving it. Also, it was a risky goal that needed some time to break in.

On the other hand, the second goal just didn’t feel right. It wasn’t relevant to what I wanted in my life right now. Things had changed since I set goals back in January, so my focus needed to shift during the second quarter of the year.

Since I’m really passionate about a different area, I need to set a goal that aligns with that area. So, I decided to move that second goal to a “project” line and focus on a more meaningful goal that makes sense for where I’m at right now. A good fit for this season. Like packing away your boots and pulling out your flip-flops when spring comes.

​
Do you have goals that don’t fit after walking around in them for a while? Or maybe just don’t work for the season?

It’s okay to change them, shelve them, or even get rid of them.

​
Terrie

PS

It is important to remember that you do not need to do this process too often. We naturally check our goals at the Quarterly Preview. Then we can adapt them again if needed. But once that is done, try to stick with them so you can have success. You will get to review them in the next quarter.

No reason to take the shoes back every week. 🙂