Sharpen your aim: A guide to reaching new heights of success

Paula Rauenbuehler

Guest Columnist

January 27, 2025

It’s no secret that a new year often involves people setting goals or resolutions.

You know the drill.

Set SMART goals, stretch goals, visualize success, stay positive.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

We’ve all heard it before.

Maybe you’ve even tried it all, only to find yourself feeling more frustrated and discouraged than fulfilled.

Goals and objectives can be good for us.

The challenge often is how you reach them and maintain them.

What if I told you that reaching your goals isn’t about following a rigid formula and maybe not even about the goal itself, but about understanding your unique style and being consistent rather than it looking like a roller coaster?

Because let’s face it, we’re all different.

Some of us thrive on structure, while others need more flexibility.

Some of us are fueled by external motivation, while others draw strength from within.

This approach isn’t about discarding traditional advice altogether – it’s about adapting it to your individual needs and preferences.

It’s about finding what truly works for you.

Discover your achievement style

Self-reflection

Spend some time reflecting on past experiences.

What goal-setting strategies worked for you in the past?

What didn’t?

What are your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to pursuing your goals?

Where would you like to do some work on your style?

Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches.

Try journaling, using a goal-tracking app or working with a coach.

Find your motivation

What truly drives you?

Is it intrinsic motivation (a deep sense of purpose), extrinsic motivation (rewards and recognition) or a combination of both?

What if it wasn’t hard?

What is possible if you shift your mindset from it being “hard” to being worthwhile, even if uncomfortable?

This is where you can choose your hard.

The hard of doing the work or the hard of staying where you are.

Build a flexible framework

Identify three levels of effort to move you closer to your goal – what I call the “Aim Smart” approach.

• Absolute minimum: What is the minimal acceptable effort for those days when you are not able to do more?
• Ideal: What is the perfect effort and progress? In a perfect world without disruptions, what does success look like?
• Middle: What’s the reasonable middle space for your efforts? More than the Absolute Minimum but not quite the perfect Ideal effort. This is where most of my clients see their efforts early on in their achievement process, in between the minimum and maximum. This allows them to flex their effort based on today’s situations without losing sight of the goal. As they learn more about their style, they adjust and move to being more in the Ideal state.

Focus on process, not just outcome

Shift your focus from the end goal to the daily actions that will get you there.

What do you need to do consistently, without which you won’t reach the goal?

Embrace imperfection

Setbacks are inevitable.

Appreciate the learning opportunities, including the challenges faced as they are.

This is where the absolute minimum effort from the Aim Smart approach can be helpful.

If all you can do is the absolute minimum, you are still on track.

Celebrate progress, not just perfection

I had a sign in my office for years that said “Aggregation of Marginal Gains” as a reminder that each step, no matter how small, was that much closer to my goal.

Those small, marginal steps added up.

Acknowledge and celebrate your small wins along the way.

This reinforces positive behavior and can keep you motivated.

If it helps, keep a record of your daily or weekly progress to see how far you’ve come rather than looking at how much farther it is to your goal.

Cultivate a growth mindset

• Challenge yourself: Step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.
• Learn from others: Seek inspiration from those who have achieved similar goals or similarly challenging goals.
• Believe in your ability to grow: Embrace the belief that your abilities can be developed and improved through consistent effort.

Prioritize self-care:

• Listen to your body: Prioritize rest, relaxation and activities that bring you joy. You know what they say, all work and no play.
• Nourish your mind: Engage in activities that stimulate your creativity and reduce stress, such as reading, spending time in nature or listening to music.
• Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage your growth. There are differing opinions on the value of sharing your goals. Do what works best for you – sharing or keeping them to yourself.

Find your summit:

• Define your “why” (again): Revisit your “why” regularly. What is the deeper meaning behind this goal? How will it contribute to your overall well-being and happiness?
• Stay curious: Continuously explore new approaches and refine your strategies. Think “it would be even better if I…”
• Enjoy the view: Take time to appreciate the journey and the progress you’ve made. This is where your log of your work can be helpful. With bigger goals that take longer, being able to look at the progress you have made rather than how much farther can be quite motivating.

Final thoughts

Reaching your goals isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor.

It’s about finding what works best for you, embracing your unique achievement style and enjoying the journey.

This approach might feel a bit different from what you’ve tried before, but I encourage you to give it a shot.

You might be surprised at what you’re capable of.