In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it's easy to lose sight of time. One moment, we're immersed in our daily tasks, and the next, we look up to find that the year is almost over. Despite being busy, we might realize that we don't feel a sense of accomplishment.
This phenomenon is not only prevalent in the business world but also in our personal lives. Herein lies the importance of self-reflection, a practice that should be embraced annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and even daily.
Self-reflection enables us to recognize our successes and evaluate where we might have faltered. It's a crucial step toward feeling genuinely accomplished. Importantly, this process should not be for the validation of others but for your own motivation and growth.
Taking Ownership of Your Progress
The first principle of the "KNOWN" Effect is to take ownership of your progress. Instead of relying on others to keep score for you, you should be the one measuring your achievements.
What are your goals for the year, and how do they align with the larger picture of your aspirations? If you lead a team, how are you guiding them toward collective and individual success?
Game Plan for Success: A Basketball Approach to Goal Setting
Consider the analogy of a basketball player. In the heat of the game, it's easy to get lost in the moment and not realize that time is slipping away. The key is to set a specific goal for each game.
While the ultimate objective is to win, what will be your personal contribution to that victory? Suppose your target is to score 20 points, secure four rebounds, and provide four assists in a game. This translates to scoring five points, grabbing one rebound, and making one assist per quarter.
This approach makes your goals more tangible and offers regular intervals for self-reflection. By halftime, if you haven't reached 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists, you know exactly what to focus on in the second half of the game.
What Will You Be KNOWN For?
One way to think about your success for the year is by incorporating the mindset of being "KNOWN" for something.
It's morbid to consider, but many wonder what their legacy will be if they were to pass away—what will their friends and family remember them for? This is akin to the high school yearbook concept: what were you known for in high school? Were you the most likely to succeed? The most likely to get married first?
The same applies in business. When you look back at your career and your current contributions to the north star business objectives, what will you be known for? As a leader for your team and a motivator to others, what will you be known for?
This isn’t about vanity; it’s about setting goals that give you motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Reframing Failure into Success
At times, we feel like we keep missing our goals, which can lead to a mindset of failure and discouragement. However, it's essential to find your motivation by celebrating what you did accomplish.
For example, imagine playing a basketball game where you shot 10 three-pointers and missed all of them. Naturally, you would feel down on yourself. But during a quick self-assessment, you might realize that even though you didn't make those shots, you played amazing defense and had six assists in the game.
By focusing on your other contributions, you can regain your motivation. The game, much like life, is only as good as how you finish.
Finishing strong could lead to making that game-winning three-point shot. Despite missing shots throughout the game, being in the right mindset to make the one that counts can make all the difference.
From the CMO's Desk: My Journey with the "KNOWN" Effect
As the Chief Marketing Officer at Vagaro with over 20 years of experience, I have seen firsthand how vital the right mindset is for success. My goal is to help others gain clarity and develop the mindset necessary to achieve their goals.
Throughout my career, I have found that self-reflection and setting tangible goals are crucial elements that contribute to a fulfilling professional and personal life.
Women in Business: Embracing the "KNOWN" Effect
As women in business, we often feel the need to go above and beyond to feel accomplished. The pressure to overcompensate can be overwhelming.
However, the "KNOWN" Effect offers a way for us to feel accomplished in our own right. It provides the mental space to self-evaluate, grow, and focus on what truly matters to us.
By regularly reflecting on our achievements and setting clear, tangible goals, we can create a sense of accomplishment and motivation. This approach allows us to take ownership of our success and feel confident in our abilities.
Remember, this process is for you and your growth, not for the validation of others.
Implementing Regular Self-Reflection
Just like in basketball, implementing regular self-reflection in your business and personal life can significantly improve your sense of accomplishment. Here are some steps you can take:
Daily Reflection
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Set Aside Time: Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each day.
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Review Achievements: Identify what you accomplished today.
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Plan for Tomorrow: Outline tasks and goals for the next day.
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Revisit Your Mission: Ensure your activities align with your long-term objectives.
Weekly Reflection
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Evaluate Progress: Assess your weekly accomplishments and areas for improvement.
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Set Targets: Establish specific goals for the upcoming week.
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Reflect on Team Contributions: Consider what your team achieved and what they will be known for.
Monthly Reflection
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Assess Monthly Goals: Review your progress toward monthly targets.
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Identify Themes: Note any recurring challenges or successes.
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Adjust Strategies: Make necessary adjustments to stay on track for annual goals.
Quarterly Reflection
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Conduct a Deep Dive: Analyze your progress over the past three months.
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Set New Goals: Establish new objectives based on your assessment.
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Team Review: Discuss successes and challenges with your team to foster collaboration.
Annual Reflection
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Comprehensive Review: Look back on your major achievements and setbacks over the year.
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Set Long-Term Goals: Define goals for the upcoming year that align with your vision.
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Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge your and your team’s contributions to maintain motivation.
Conclusion
The "KNOWN" Effect is about being aware of your achievements and areas needing improvement through continuous self-reflection. By keeping score for yourself and setting tangible, incremental goals, you can ensure that you stay on track and maintain a sense of accomplishment.
Remember, this process is for your own motivation and growth, not for the recognition of others. Embrace self-reflection and watch how it transforms your business and personal life.
