Be "Intentional" With Goal Setting!

While there is no one strategy or skill to boost our development, growth and success, there is the critical principle of being more “intentional”. Said differently, this is about how each of us more purposefully behaves in a more aware, focused and conscious manner, in the interest of most effectively communicating, motivating, interacting, learning, etc…

With this, this is a time for new year goal setting, even choosing to selecting a “one word” prompt to aid in that focus. My personal view on a “one word” approach is that can be useful and even fun to do with co-workers and friends. We do it some as a family. There is a degree of science around use of a “one word”.

As someone who coaches 1000’s of individuals, teams and organizations, what is frequently misunderstood, overlooked or misapplied with the use and promotion of one word (and goal setting in general), is the reality of there being dozens, if not 100’s of principles, behaviors and skills often needed to achieve it/them. The most important behavior management principle being more “intentional” about focus on ones behaviors.

For example, if someone selects a one word of “curious” , seeking to learn more about people, places, topics or things in 2025, then that person will need to be ever more intentional about purposefully selecting behaviors conducive to being more curious. Becoming more curious won’t occur just by stating it, wishing it or writing it done. Life would be great if change was that simple.

Our brain wants us to operate in subconscious “default” mode, upwards of 95% of our day. That gravitational pull, so to speak, to default mode is what makes habit change difficult and hard to maintain active and aware focus on personal change and best managing our behaviors. Amping up our intentional awareness is what is needed.

As you consider your goals for 2025, also reflect on what exactly you will need to do more intentionally (behaviorally again) about achieving them. That way, you are truly setting yourself for success and not just hoping that by writing them, or a single word down, they will achieved by default.

I would love to coach you to help set your year up for success. If you are interested in working together, please reach out to me at: slavinskijack@gmail. com.