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Creating Space … For Growth Through Feedback

Leading With VOICCE® Series.

We've all been there. We either love or loathe setting goals at the beginning of the year. And we all have our reasons. Some of us call it resolutions, some goals, some intentions. While I think the approach can serve us all differently, there are some real similarities around how this all plays out - on a human level. 


For this week, I want to take a very OPEN look at my own approach, and share the real pitfalls I am experiencing and what I am noticing. 


I set an intention word for the year. My word is S P A C I O U S.... It came about during the fall when I felt like I simply needed space to be, and to breathe, so I could truly lead my life, and my business with the best possible energy. How's it going? It's complicated. Keep reading.

Why Goals (Resolutions/Intentions) Fail


A quick Google Search will tell you everything I am about to say. It's not new - but let's make it easily accessible and actionable. Here's where I am feeling challenged as I strive to stay aligned with my intention word. Which do you relate to?


All or Nothing Mentality. This approach puts me in a position to judge myself. If each day doesn't feel spacious - I must be doing "it" wrong. 


  • Try this reframe instead:  This is an intention, a practice that I must keep coming back to, and I'm only a few weeks into it. What wins or progress can I capture?


Setting Unrealistic Or Vague Goals. This one is actually feeling pretty good so far. I've set a goal to 1) Focus on morning scripture, and 2) Commit to morning movement. Both are working out well so far. It means I have created a morning that has space to prioritize what matters most to me right now. 


HOWEVER, when things do feel tense, it's because I am straying away from these two clear and specific goals, and striving to be "further along". If you are feeling this tension:


  • Try this instead: Set 1-2 clear goals that are time-bound. Let these goals be stepping stones to the next level. 


Relying On Motivation Over Systems. Motivation gets us started, systems create sustainability. I was highly motivated when I established the word "SPACIOUS". I have a system for managing my calendar that limits any disruption to my mornings, so that I can commit to my routine without much disruption. It's working well. However, if this is still a challenge:


  • Try This: Ask - What needs to be true for me to consistently show up for this goal or intention? What measures can I put in place to support? Habits work best when we make them easy to access - try pairing them with something you are already doing, known as "habit stacking"


Ignoring Real Life Friction: This is closely linked to motivation above. Our vision for what's possible is real. However, so are real-life demands. We must plan accordingly. This can mean shifting how we define success during a certain period, or building in support to navigate certain challenges. I still want to have days that feel spacious, and a calendar that is NOT jam-packed. I am also currently enrolling for a program that requires significant time and attention. No matter how spacious I want my days to feel, I am going to have to sacrifice some of that spaciousness to reach another goal, which is to launch this program successfully. 


  • Try This: Redefine what success means. For me - Success means having the spacious mornings I want 80% of the time for the next few weeks, and allowing myself the flexibility to meet my other demands.


Lack of Proper Tracking Or Accountability: Statistics tend to show that we are 40-60% more likely to reach our goals when we write them down and share them with someone else. The key here is to have a way to measure your progress and someone you trust to check in with. 


  • Try This: Build tracking and accountability into your system. Have a designated day for checking in. There is inherent accountability built in, when you know when you have to share an update. 

  • Real talk: I'm still working on this. Some aspects are working well, and some need to be refined. 


Am I living my complete vision for spaciousness right now? No. Not yet - but I'm making progress. It's ONLY January - at the time of writing this. There's no reason to think I'm supposed to fully embody the intention at 100% this early in the year. What I now have is feedback on what areas can use a little more focus and attention. 


I hope you were able to bring your own goals or intentions to mind. Consider where you are on track, and where you can tighten your approach. It's not failure - it's feedback. There is still time to adjust. 

The Practice


Use these 4 questions to help you measure your progress. Be honest.


Start by writing out a clear intention or goal you have set for the year.


Define what success looks like. Be specific. Be realistic. Then ask the following questions:


  1. What progress have I already made so far this year?

  2. What systems do I have in place to support this goal?

  3. What potential challenges or barriers might I face?

  4. How can I hold myself accountable?


For some, setting goals feels intimidating. Fear of failing or falling short can feel paralyzing or devastating. If this resonates - try this approach, and let me know how it goes!


If you are interested in taking small steps, with professional support and accountability, I'd love to support you. Send me a message directly, and we can determine what services are best suited for your goal. 

Thank you for your presence. I am so excited to continue this journey with you!


With gratitude, Tian.


Tian Philson Leadership, Wellness & Mindset Coach | Creator of the VOICCE® Decision Making & Empowerment Framework | Helping leaders go inward so they can go upward.

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