Which dog are you?
“The dogs are getting tangled again!”
This phrase was uttered often on our recent family trip to the mountains, accompanied by an interesting dance of going over or under leashes, twirling around, or trying to guide a dog through the human/canine maze.
On this particular trip, my mom brought her 5 year old golden retriever, while my brother’s family brought their new 6 month old puppy.
The two dogs got along pretty well. There was the occasional ear tugging from the younger one and warning barks from the older one. The command “Come” often resulted in being inundated by both dogs, and whenever one got attention, the other wanted in as well. We had to hide the older dog’s favorite toy from the teething puppy, and make sure both dogs got food and treats at the same time.
But the biggest difference was apparent when it was time for a walk.
Loki, the 5 year old, treats his walks like a sacred mission - he’s on guard duty, focused on surveying his terrain and showing his humans where to go. Lyra, the 6 month old, prioritizes exploration and keeping her family safe from threats hiding in snowbanks.
When walking side by side, their leashes often got tangled, as Lyra was not content to explore just one side of the path. Loki loves being up front, guiding his crew safely along his route, and Lyra, when she isn’t chasing snowballs, gives him a run for his money for the title of “line leader”, sometimes zigzaging around to achieve her objectives.
Of the 5 adults, only my brother was willing to handle both dogs at once. Any other time we needed to take the dogs out, each dog brought their own human handler.
How can two dogs approach things so differently?
While in many ways, the dogs were a lot alike (like with their love of peanut butter), the contrasts could be pretty stark.
It can be the same way with people. Sometimes, we can seem pretty similar, while in other ways we’re very different.
As we begin the new year, it can be tempting to follow the same approach to making plans for the new year as those around you. Whether it’s New Year’s Resolutions, SMART goals, or intentions, any approach can be great for many people, but may not be what works best for you.
As you’re thinking about what approach you want to take this new year, here are a few things you can keep in mind:
What supports what you want to achieve?
Some objectives are better suited to certain approaches. Consider what you want to achieve and base your strategy on what will help you be successful.
Is that coveted promotion hinging on a successful product launch? Perhaps a SMART goal will help you track your progress and create the evidence you need to achieve your goal. Know that more sleep helps you be more effective? Maybe a habit goal around a bedtime routine will set you up for success.What aligns with your personality?
Some styles of approaching an outcome are better suited to certain personalities. Thinking about what strategies work for you and your personality can help you get the results you’re looking for.
Know you do better with external accountability? Find someone you can meet up with weekly to share your progress. Work better with an abstract idea that gives you flexibility? Consider setting an intention for the year and revisiting it regularly as you make progress.What is suited to your lifestyle?
Finding a way to align your goal with your lifestyle can increase your odds of success. While your goal may stretch you and help you grow in new ways, if it’s too far from the lifestyle you have or want, it can be very hard to be successful.
Looking to write your first book and know you’re not a morning person? Perhaps you’ll need to figure out a way to carve out the time at the end of the day, instead of getting up before the rest of your family. Have a goal to run your first marathon this year? Maybe you’ll be most successful if you can schedule your long runs while your partner is at their weekly book club.
Just like thinking our two dogs would behave the same way on a walk would be a recipe for disaster, so is thinking that there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to setting and achieving your goals for the coming year. If you consider what supports the outcome you’re looking to drive, your own personality, and the lifestyle you have or want, you’ll better set yourself up for success.
How will you approach your goals this year?
As you think about how to achieve the outcomes you’re most excited about this year, would you be best set up for success with the help of a coach? Let’s talk!
Book your free strategy session and let’s dig in.
How will you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
January 2, 2025
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
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