There is much written about mindset in the context of goal-setting.

Mindset is a part of creating success in achieving your goals; it is essential to have the proper mindset before your dreams can be formulated.

2020 was a great example of how many people felt that there was nothing they could do about all the “bad things” going on in the world, and thus they couldn’t respond positively. So why set goals when everything was spinning out of control?

But, despite the inability to control events, there were examples of amazingly positive mindsets in groups that we would expect to be overwhelmed by circumstances —- healthcare workers!

Covid 19 brought extraordinary compassion, hope, kindness, and positivity despite horrid conditions and overwhelming stressors. It was about mindset!

It is also about compartmentalizing the negative and positive thoughts so that the small contributions to a better life can add up to a sum more significant than the parts.

There is a great prayer, the Serenity Prayer, that is an integral part of a positive mindset: “(insert your higher power), grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

This Serenity Prayer is essential to understanding how we can function well in a world gone seemingly crazy, develop a positive mindset, and ultimately succeed with our goals.

Stoics believe that three essential components of Stoic philosophy can guide you in difficult moments:

• Control your perceptions.  

• Direct your actions properly.  

• Willingly accept what is outside your control.    

With these in mind, we can train our mindset to see those issues that we can or cannot control. Of course, past experiences, belief systems, and those we choose to associate with can impact our view of the past, present, and future, but we can re-train our amygdala to reprocess our old fears and anxieties.

Did you have a supportive family or friends? Were you stifled as a child or young adult? Did you develop a belief system of scarcity or abundance? Were you always told “no” as a child/young adult or that “you’ll never be able to do it!”?

These are the beliefs that color our mindset…change your thoughts and change your mindset!

Step one is to change the way you respond and perceive the world.

Step two is to develop obtainable goals, and as I’ve pointed out, if you have a positive mindset, dreams are much easier to obtain. Here are some tips:

• Prepare for the goal… Prepare for success. If you do not lay out the groundwork for achieving your dreams or goals, it is doubtful that you will see success.

• Ask your “why!” Why do I want to achieve this goal? What does it mean for me? “Why” is a compelling word that many people don’t spend the time understanding. Suppose you have no clear “why,” you will often falter when the going gets challenging, or life gets in the way. 

• Start with small goals you can build on — get a few wins under your belt that provide the positive reinforcement to spur you forward. As your victories accumulate, your mindset also evolves decisively.

• Visualize your goals and your success in achieving those goals. See yourself at the end of the desired goal’s completion. What will it feel like, and how will it change your life or situation?

• As you can notch some successes, let those build to more ambitious goals.

• Have a plan “B” ready to go when plan “A” goes south! No one is perfect. There will be times when life (that you cannot control) gets in the way. Your perception of the context will determine success or failure. Your planning will determine if you throw in the towel or not.

• There is a saying in the military that “all battle planning goes out the window after the first shot!” Operationally, special forces units often have multiple contingency plans for their missions. And you should too!

• Are your goals in coherence with your beliefs and mindset? Is it entirely out of sync with who and what you are, past and present? If so, make your goals incremental.

• Make big goals into bite-sized pieces. Build on them over the year—set timelines. Take steps and not leaps. Your “why” will give you the will to endure the adventure.

• Choose a “word of the year.” Examples might be joy, health, kindness, truth, transparency, transformation, serenity, clarity, happiness, fitness, or grace. Meditate on your chosen word and allow your mindset and goals to morph into that higher thought.

2023 is the year of the Rabbit. 2023 is a perfect year for an animal of an easy-going nature, tender, and skilled in handling relationships. Remember that mindset and goals are linked.

Be well, and Happy “2023!”