The Secret to Emerging Like a Butterfly

Winter Warrior,

It’s November, and here in the UK, we’re extremely seasonal.

As a runner, I’ve really noticed this shift. At the end of October, the season switches to cross-country training. This is when runners actually start to train harder during the Winter to reap the benefits of that fitness in the Spring.

Just like these athletes, the darker and longer nights invite us to set new, different goals if we’re willing to put the effort in.

If you’re ready to plan ahead, define your goals and ultimately come out feeling like a beautiful butterfly, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Define an Outcome

This is a crucial first step. Your new goal(s) can be specific like running a marathon, or non-specific such as being a confident public speaker. Both are valid goals.

The specific goals are objectively easier to measure. I suggest using the SMART acronym to help you sketch this out.

I personally prefer these types of goals due to their objective nature. They can be measured and you’ll know if you’ve hit them or not.

However, goals that are a little more open-ended, such as to feel confident at something are perfectly valid too. In many ways, this is why we set goals in the first place.

My only challenge to those here, is that you may need a more developed or a couple of SMART goals to help you with that, which is absolutely fine. I can personally attest to that, having completed 185 goals this year already!

Step 2: Define the Process

What will it realistically take to get you there?

• For runners, the process is straightforward: find a training plan online, have it push your current level, and work towards it. That might mean committing to four runs a week.

• For writers who want to write a book, you’re going to have to commit to a regular writing practice. This could mean joining a writers’ group where you contribute 3,000 words each month for peer review. You have to do this.

Again if your outcome is non-specific, think about setting a couple of SMART goals that will help you get to the feeling you want.

Step 3: Create a Little Excitement

Keep track of your progress by ticking it off as you go. There are so many ways to do this:

• Use a spreadsheet that you update regularly

• Tick things off in a journal

• Cross things off on a whiteboard

It doesn’t matter how, but make sure it matters to you.

As Jim Rohn once said, ‘create a little excitement’.

Jim wanted to go to Madrid and ticked this goal off his list just as he touched down at Madrid airport.

Perhaps reaching a certain point could mean treating yourself to something you’ve wanted for a long time.

What would exciting look like for you?

Step 4: Tell Someone

This step is optional, but highly recommended.

Tell someone about at least one of your goals.

As I mentioned last week, sharing your goal builds an extra layer of accountability and support.

The Code: Your Winter Challenge

Now that we’re approaching Winter and you've seen the blueprint, it's the perfect time to set a new goal this week. Take advantages of the season and apply these four steps to define your next great achievement:

• Define an Outcome: Choose one specific or non-specific goal that will truly define your winter success.

• Design the Process: Create the realistic, actionable steps (the 'training plan') you must commit to in order to achieve it.

• Create a Little Excitement: Build in rewards and use a tracking method to keep the energy high as you tick off your progress

• Tell Someone (could that be me?): Establish accountability and support by sharing your goal with a friend, partner, or mentor.

Your Goal-Setting Guide,

Dan x