Intentions + Goals: A Recipe for Success
As we approach a new year, founders and executives shift much of their focus to finalizing their business’ growth plan and objectives for the year ahead. However, when it comes to planning for their own growth as a leader (and human), most fall short.
“Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development.”
One reason for this is that many leaders jump right into listing out resolutions (not the same as goal-setting, by the way) just before - and often just after - the New Year. This approach makes complete sense as DOING is the comfort zone for high-achieving executives.
We suggest a different, more robust way to plan for a successful next twelve months, starting with reflection and then moving into intention-setting before even thinking about specific goals. Both practices are often skipped – and not simply because of the time constraints that executives claim, but more often because of the associated discomfort. Planning SMART goals, after all, is much easier than examining and contemplating how you want to show up and who you aim to be. Reflection and intention-setting are also commonly dismissed as too “soft” for the data driven business world. We discuss the data around reflection here, so let’s focus on the science of intention setting.
The Science Behind Intentions
The interplay between our mind and physical actions is not just a philosophical concept, but a scientifically verified fact. The power of conscious intention is more than just a motivational tool; it's a driver of tangible change and action. A notable study by Angus SD & Newton J underscores this, revealing that the practice of intention-setting played a crucial role in the development of early human cognitive abilities. This research implies that our ancestors' ability to set and focus on specific intentions may have been a key factor in evolving complex thought processes and decision-making skills.
The transformative power of writing down intentions is further evidenced by groundbreaking research from the Dominican University of California. This study not only suggests but quantifies the impact of articulating intentions. Participants who wrote down their goals were significantly more likely to achieve them compared to those who didn’t. This act of writing brings a level of clarity and commitment that mere thinking cannot match, a phenomenon that Dr. Barbara Fredrickson's work in positive psychology corroborates. Fredrickson’s research into self-affirmation and intention highlights how clear, positive intentions can expand our range of thoughts and actions, effectively broadening our mental and behavioral toolkit.
Supporting this, the field of neuroplasticity offers compelling insights into how the brain's structure and function are not fixed but are malleable and responsive to our experiences, including our intentions and thoughts. This adaptability of the brain suggests that intentionally directed thought can foster significant neural changes, enabling us to develop new behaviors and skills. The implications of this are profound for personal development and leadership, suggesting that our capacity for change, growth, and achieving goals is directly influenced by the intentions we set and focus on.
Setting Intentions
So what exactly is the difference between setting an intention and setting a goal? Intentions are more about who you want to be and how you want to live and feel, rather than just what you want to achieve. They serve as guiding themes, providing focus, purpose, and motivation.
While intentions can certainly guide goals, they can also be less structured, making room for us to challenge assumptions, create new possibilities and find additional pathways. This can be really useful as we are in VUCA (“volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous”) times when predicting and planning SMART goals can be difficult.
Consider these prompts for intention-setting:
What do I want more and less of in my life?
How do I want to feel in the coming year?
What matters most to me now?
What kind of leader/partner/parent/person do I aspire to be?
Intention-setting is also an effective and empowering morning practice that helps you set the tone for your day. The most high-performing leaders we know even set intentions around how they want to show up for difficult conversations and important meetings. Many also start important meetings with their teams by setting an intention for the meeting.
Setting Effective Goals
With clear intentions in place, move on to specific goal-setting. Here's FounderForward’s four-step process that has effectively guided hundreds of leaders:
“A goal without a plan is just a wish. ”
STEP 1: Get to the Heart of the Goal
As you embark on the New Year, resist the urge to simply compile a list of tasks or habits. While "being more productive at work" or "working out three times a week" are commendable, true goal-setting delves deeper. Begin by exploring the 'why' behind each action you're considering. This reflective inquiry is where your broader intentions intersect with specific goals.
Consider these questions to solidify your foundation for success:
What strengths do I currently possess that align with this goal?
What potential obstacles might arise, both internally (like self-doubt) and externally?
What resources or support might I need to navigate these challenges?
STEP 2: Craft Your Action Plan
Having explored the 'why', transition into 'doing mode'. Develop a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the mindset, behaviors, and skills necessary for achieving your goal. Identify the actions required, then commit to a timeline, setting both frequency and a target date for each milestone. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination – plan rewards for yourself to celebrate progress along the way.
STEP 3: Harness the Power of Visualization
With your plan in place, engage in visualization. This isn't mere daydreaming; it's a scientifically-backed method to enhance your path to success. Close your eyes and vividly imagine achieving your goal. What does it look like? How does it feel? These moments of visual affirmation, aligned with your intentions, should be revisited regularly, especially when faced with challenges, to reignite your motivation and commitment.
STEP 4: Build Accountability
For your goals to materialize, tracking and accountability are key. Break down your larger objectives into manageable quarterly or monthly segments. Utilize tools like spreadsheets, calendars, or apps to monitor your progress on action steps and smaller achievements. Additionally, consider partnering with a colleague, friend, or coach for accountability. Sharing your goals with someone else can significantly boost your likelihood of achieving them – doubling your chances, according to some studies.
Leadership is fundamentally an inward journey. You cannot maximize your leadership potential without committing to self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-mastery. Reflection and intention-setting are not just 'soft' skills but are essential practices underpinned by solid data, enhancing personal and professional development. These practices, coupled with effective goal-setting, are a recipe for leadership and business success.