If you think that the achievement is the "prize"...
It's early 2026...goal setting is at the forefront of many people's minds. Maybe yours too?
Although December 2026 seems so far away, we both know it will come in a flash...so before you get caught up in the reach for the trophy, the finish line moment...HOLD ON!
The prize, trophy, the medal, the certificate, all are markers of completion. The symbol of the last piece in the puzzle, the final milestone being met. However, if you ask anyone to tell you about one of their achievements, chances are that they’re not going to run over to their drawer and pull out their medal and show it to you. More likely, they’re going to tell you a story. Why? Because, it’s the road they took to get there, that was full of potholes, hills and unexpected gravelly spots that made it an achievement. That’s what makes it a story.
Celebrating the road that led to the achievement is what really matters. Learning to recognize when you made progress, noticing what may have gotten in the way, and how you were able to get moving again. The obstacles you encountered that you overcame. No one’s going to tell you about something that went off without a hitch…where’s the story in that?
Why do you want to think about this now? Because when those roadblocks and obstacles come, you need to remember that they're there to become a part of your story, part of the path that gets you there..and let's face it, when you're "in it" it can be hard to recognize the value of every part of the path.
This is life. You don’t have a crystal ball to let you know what will happen so make a plan and start from there. Some might call this a strategy. The thing about strategies is, if they’re too rigid, you risk missing the opportunities that are right under your nose. A plan or strategy that has a backbone, direction, and also flexibility, leaves room for course correction. Options. Because a plan without options well…. sounds…. kind of rigid.
Think about one goal you achieved in 2025.
At some point, you started with a "direction", something you wanted. A setting of your compass. You didn’t have to know every step, it started with the first one. It might have been a phone call, an email, or to register for that first course. It was all about setting the wheels in motion and, as you continued to take steps, the compass may have started to shift and lead you somewhere else. Notice the feeling of progress as you moved towards your goal. It’s the working towards your goals that gives you a purpose, not the completion. That’s the celebration.
Are you ready?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge...
Here's some things to remember for the year ahead:
Achievements give you a chance to notice the patterns that emerge when you’re working hard towards something you want. Celebrate as you go...this will provide the fuel to keep going.
Notice that taking even the smallest of steps towards your goal, rather than doing nothing at all can make a difference.
When you get stuck, remember this is all a part of it. What makes it a story. What skills or resources can you draw upon to get going again?
At the end of the day, it is the experiences along the way that make it worthwhile. Don't lose sight of this!
Enjoy the ride!
Ready to shift your mindset in 2026? Contact me and let's set up your FREE chemistry call.
Cheers,
Ann
So you think it’s the prize that matters?