Last month we covered the importance of setting SMART goals. When we set a goal and commit to a result, we will inevitably hit obstacles and roadblocks on our journey. Our resolve will be tested and we will have to overcome uncomfortable setbacks. Most of us abandon our New Year’s goals and resolutions by mid-February, when what we really need to do is lean into our Emotional Intelligence.
Our Emotional Intelligence is a critical factor in achieving our goals and is often overlooked. Individuals who beat the odds in achieving their new year’s goals, expect and plan for failure. By applying their Emotional Intelligence in the following ways, they anticipate obstacles, bounce back quickly, develop innovative solutions and create forward momentum.
Self-Awareness: Part of creating realistic goals is practicing self-awareness and being honest with ourselves about what is possible. Know your limitations. Don’t take this the wrong way; it’s important to set stretch goals and challenge your team. Just make sure you start slow, build momentum and iterate on your successes.
Resilience: Anticipate setbacks when working toward a goal and work on recovering quickly. Managing stress well involves coping with difficult situations and believing that we can manage the challenges that come our way in a positive and successful manner.
Problem Solving: Effective problem solving requires that we identify alternative options and different paths for reaching our goal. Developing workarounds is a critical skill if we expect to move our goals across the finish line.
Motivation: Staying motivated and remaining hopeful in the face of setbacks isn’t easy. Use rewards and celebrate your successes in order to keep you and your team moving forward.
For more reading on these topics, take a look at these articles:
https://www.6seconds.org/2017/01/23/emotional-intelligence-in-goal-setting/embed/
https://www.inc.com/michael-schneider/3-ways-emotionally-intelligent-leaders-set-great-goals.html
