Setting goals for the new year usually revolves around what we want to do or achieve. However, a more thoughtful approach is to focus on who we want to become.

In our personal and professional lives and in our businesses, we often get so focused on the doing and achieving that we move out of alignment with our core values. We stop thinking about the relationships we want to cultivate or the impact we want to make on the world.

By shifting the focus from “what do I want to do?” to “who do I want to become?”, we work towards cultivating our greatest ambitions or desires, instead of merely checking items off a list.

So, how do we do this? Here are some ideas to help guide the process:

1. Discover what is most important to you. Take time to think or journal about times when you felt most fulfilled. This will help you determine your core values.

 2. Picture yourself in the future. What do you imagine? How do you look? How do you feel? Who are you interacting with? Defining your “ideal self” will help you determine your next steps.

 3. Seek feedback. Regularly ask for feedback from a trusted friend or individual about your progress. Or at the end of each day or week, reflect on the choices you’ve made and how they are aligning with your values.

 4. Continue to Learn. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops. Stay curious and be willing to learn how to be the best version of yourself.

By focusing on who we want to be rather than what we want to do, we set the stage for growth.

As a challenge this week, think about your personal life, business, or profession. Get rid of the checklist. Instead, consider who you want to be.

You’ll likely discover that once you focus on the becoming, the doing naturally unfolds.

Best wishes, Lauren