Whether you love New Year resolutions or hate them, having well-defined goals for the upcoming year can set the stage for a successful journey. For busy SBLs, adhering to resolutions may appear challenging, but these simple strategies can help you create a plan and stick to it
While it is great to feel enthusiastic about your goals, it is crucial to avoid setting unattainable targets. Implementing something big, for example, a new school-wide initiative, might be enticing, but it’s important to recognise the challenges of finding extra time amid a growing list of tasks. Instead, consider starting with small, manageable steps that seamlessly fit into your daily routine. Specify what you aim to achieve and break it down into smaller, achievable goals with realistic deadlines.
Be honest with yourself about the resources and time at your disposal. Assess whether this is a goal you can accomplish independently or if you need the support of school staff or others in your network. Reflect on the reasons behind your pursuit. What will you gain from it? Identify who stands to benefit from your efforts.
Increasing your chances of success involves weighing the pros and cons, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. By carefully considering these factors, you pave the way for a more successful and sustainable pursuit of your goals.
Now that you’ve established your goals, take a step back and assess the practical requirements for achieving them. Consider the tools necessary for the task and identify key individuals whose support is crucial to bring your plans to fruition. Present your plans in a positive light, emphasising the benefits, whether they be additional training you would like to complete, changes in workflow or anything else. The more allies you can enlist, the greater your chances of staying motivated, even in challenging times. It can be hard to stick to a plan when things get difficult. In these situations, try to find ways to reconnect with the initial enthusiasm that fuelled your goal-setting. Reflect on the positive outcomes you stand to gain, and perhaps create a list to serve as a reminder in moments of doubt.
If your current approach isn’t yielding results, be open to reassessing your strategies and devising a new plan. Setting a resolution doesn’t mean adhering rigidly to a predetermined path; flexibility allows for adaptation and evolution. Stay open-minded about the journey!
Viewed from a different perspective, making resolutions is essentially just setting objectives—something school business leaders do throughout the year. There is an old quote that seems apt for this time of year, one that may help you out when the going gets rough. ‘No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again!’
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