Category: Goals Setting

An Honest Review for 2019

Damian NgLeave a comment

Do you remember the moment sometime last year where we felt hopeful and inspired to start afresh in 2019? We then proceeded to jot down our goals for the year and went into the year feeling that 2019 will be a defining year.

Fast forward to the end of 2019, I guess it felt like de jevu, all over again, back to reviewing the past year, goal setting and encouraging ourselves that the new year will bring new changes.

Some of our goals will be achieved while others will seem like a “failure”. Personally, I did achieve some of mine but I remind myself not to put myself down for not achieving the rest.

There is a fine line in making sure that we are accountable to our commitments and goals and bashing ourselves and making it more than it should be, thus demoralising our own spirit.

So this post is just a quick reminder on the importance of goals, an honest reflection and the way forward.

1. Goals

As the name suggests, they define our goal posts, areas for us to score, so that we know we have achieved something. Without them, we would be aimless. Thus, to have a successful year, we have to be clear with what we want to achieve.

2. Reflection

Reflecting on our past years help us identify bumps on the roads that caused us to not reach our target and goals. Reflecting gives us perspectives and at times, takes away the subconscious guilt that we do place on ourselves for not achieving something. Reflection (honest one) gives us knowledge and power to set us up for probable success in the new year ahead.

3. Way Forward

The simplest way would be to list a new sets of goals for the new year. However, a more effective way and efficient one would be to use the information gathered from our reflections (point 2) and implement strategies to help us cope and ensure the rate of success in achieving our goals rises.

Every “failure” and moments of work are great learning experiences. While many of us (in this perfectionist and well informed society) may not like the trial and error process, great inventions and moment of brilliance in life were still products of this timeless strategy. We should never let lack of information or the need for a perfect strategy stop us from moving forward.

I guess the best way to look at 2020 is to head into it with renewed hope, an improved strategy, and the guts and tenacity to do our best to make it better than 2019.

Advertisement

Bring your Value to the Organisation (Success at Work Series)

Damian NgLeave a comment

For most of us, we seek progress in our workplace. Reasons for this may include wanting a higher pay, more opportunities to learn new things or even as simple as wanting to be better than your peers.

Whatever the intent or motivation that drives you, we need to know how we can make this progress happen. You heard it right, progress is given but only to those that are worthy of the responsibilities that come with it.

In order to progress, there has to be a history of good work contributed. Now, whether you do it sincerely (good work) or just simply to “earn” the progress, there is difference. Doing it sincerely is definitely more sustainable. It ties back to the saying of “If you love what you do, it is never work”. Thus, you will be able to last longer in this pursuit of progress.

So how do you do good work?

You need to know where your value lies in. With knowledge of this, you will be able to set forth actionable steps to improve your organisation. This is important because every business organisations exist to produce profits. The more improvements an organisation can make, the better the chance of surviving and thriving in an ever increasing competitive environment.

What are some of the values you can bring to your organisation?

For example, if you are a meticulous person and you love details, you can review the administrative processes to see how you can tweak to ensure that only relevant information are recorded, so as to increase efficiency.

Another example would be that if you are a great communicator, you can aspire to works towards aligning the vision of the company with your teammates. Through motivation and leadership by example, the team may become more focused and effective, thus bringing good results to the organisation, which is very good work.

Remember, without good work and positive contribution to your organisation, it is not easy for the organisation to realize the value you may possess. And if you are able to consistently produce good work sincerely, any good organisations will appreciate and reward you with the progress you DESERVE.