Resetting Yearly Goals: Navigating Q2 as a Turbo Thinker©

As we near the end of Q2, it's time to revisit those goals we set back on January 1st when we were full of excitement and optimism, armed with a fresh planner and a world of possibilities. We flip through those early pages, reading over our aspirations. But then comes the inevitable question: Have we ticked off everything on our list? As a high-achieving Turbo Thinker© with sky-high expectations, it's rare that everything is neatly crossed off. So, how do you find that balance of feeling motivated and empowered as you review your goals at this time of year?

The mind often gravitates towards what remains unfinished, honing in on perceived shortcomings and unmet expectations. Neurotransmitters fire with greater intensity in detecting these lapses and areas where we may have fallen short. Yet, what if we shifted our focus to also illuminate our achievements? By acknowledging our successes, we uncover valuable insights into what has worked well. These insights serve as keys to unlocking success in other endeavors. How can we cultivate a mindset of curiosity while releasing judgment? Reflecting on how we allocate our resources—time, finances, and energy—can offer profound insights. What recurring patterns emerge from this introspection, and what lessons can we glean from them? It's essential to approach this self-reflection with honesty and clarity. Are we making excuses for our shortcomings, or have external factors beyond our control hindered our progress? One client's reflection on her time management revealed a pattern of readily agreeing to assist colleagues from other departments. While she found satisfaction in contributing her expertise, this came at the expense of neglecting her own department's projects. "When I say yes to others, I say no to me," she realized.

As Turbo Thinkers©, we're inclined to perceive a multitude of possibilities, often leading to doubts about our choices. Should we persevere, abandon ship, or pivot in a new direction? At times, our relentless focus on a singular goal blinds us to the broader context and desired outcome. I recall collaborating with a coach who aimed to expand her clientele tenfold within a year. By the end of the first quarter, she transformed her practice into a coaching consortium, comprising herself and nine other coaches. However, the onset of the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, disrupting her team and business operations. In reevaluating her objectives, she chose to pivot, offering group programs with ten participants per group to reach her target clientele. How can we harness our Turbo Thinker prowess for creativity? How might we shift our perspective to explore alternative pathways toward the same goal?

During this juncture of the year, it's common to observe Turbo Thinkers© ensnared in the blame game. Whether directed inwardly or towards their team, phrases like "I can’t execute the plan" or "They can’t execute the plan" echo in frustration. This deadlock halts progress as both parties await the other's action. It's crucial to recognize that not all minds operate at warp speed like ours. Frequently, our verbal or written communication only conveys a fraction of our complete thought. How can we cultivate trust that our messages are fully comprehended? What motivates our teams to engage? Analogous to guiding a child in learning to tie their shoes, it's a gradual process of demonstration, explanation, encouragement, and eventual autonomy. Just as we watch a child stumble in their attempts, we must afford ourselves and others the space to learn and grow without constant supervision or critique.

In contrast, we must inquire: who is truly best suited for the task at hand? What are my strengths? What strengths does my team possess? And what tasks are better outsourced? Recently, I collaborated with an executive leader who experienced a revelation. What appeared as a straightforward and pleasant task for him proved arduous for his team. He had assumed the "hard" tasks, not realizing at the time that they were merely monotonous and only tedious for his Turbo Thinking brain. However, in reality, this task was better suited to his team's capabilities. He decided to flip the assignments. His imaginative brain can quickly gather ideas to combine them and create new, more complex and customized concepts to better serve his clients. Leveraging his imaginative prowess, he effortlessly executed the enjoyable assignment. Meanwhile, his team, now entrusted with the more clearly defined [to him mundane] tasks, executed them with ease and confidence, aligning with his expectations and yielding measurable results worthy of commendation.

During this period, many executives and entrepreneurs express dismay at their perceived lack of progress since January. The process of revisiting their goals may even catch them off guard, prompting a reevaluation of their approach. Often, the remedy lies in enhancing working memory. How can we ensure that our objectives remain at the forefront of our minds? How can we integrate playful and varied reminders into our daily routines? As time passes, our brains may grow weary of encountering the same reminders, such as the "2024 GOALS" list on a whiteboard or the repetitive alarms on our phones. To invigorate our commitment, we must diversify our reminder systems and encourage others to partake in the process. Moreover, challenges may arise in breaking down lofty goals into manageable steps. Phrases like "Expand local network" appear ambiguous and daunting. However, by subdividing these goals into specific segments or "chugments," as one of my clients aptly terms them, we can tangibly track our progress and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Maybe seeing the goals created in January before you now leaves you thinking: “I believed I was thriving amidst chaos, tackling crises, and extinguishing fires. Yet, it seems I've made little progress." Now is the moment to quiet that critical voice and engage in impartial self-reflection. Let curiosity guide us toward clarity. What steps can be taken? Which resources are available? Who can provide support and hold us accountable? How do we aspire to feel by Q4's end? As a credentialed coaching co-thinker, I would be honored to join you on this journey.