The Better Workday Podcast

Episode 35 | Reframing Unfinished Goals

Written by Niamh Moynihan | Dec 10, 2024 7:00:00 AM




Episode Introduction

Inspired by a children's show, Niamh shares the powerful concept of the word "yet." She explains how adding this small word to your vocabulary can help you reframe missed goals and find motivation as you head into the new year.

Episode Summary
The Power of "Yet" at the End of the Year

As the year comes to a close, it's easy to look back on uncompleted goals and feel disappointed. Niamh suggests a simple but powerful tool to combat this feeling: the word "yet." Inspired by a children's show, she explains how this single word can completely change your perspective on a situation. The word "yet" is especially helpful in two scenarios: when you haven't started something at all, or when you have fallen short of a goal.

When you haven't started a project, adding "yet" allows you to see it not as a failure, but as something still in consideration. This gives you the opportunity to revisit your reasons for not starting and decide if you want to make it a priority for the new year, let it go without guilt, or find the resources you need to begin. When you have worked towards a goal but haven't reached it, "yet" allows you to acknowledge all the progress you've made instead of focusing only on the failure. For example, if you trained to run a 10K in three months but only reached 9K, you can say, "I haven't reached my goal yet". This reframes the situation and allows you to identify what has been holding you back so you can make a plan for the final push. Using the word "yet" puts you back in the driving seat and opens up a different conversation, shifting your mindset from "full stop" to "what's the next step?".

  • Revisit your goals: Adding "yet" to unfinished tasks allows you to decide if you still want to pursue them or let them go guilt-free.

  • Acknowledge your progress: Instead of ignoring all the work you've done, "yet" allows you to celebrate your progress and feel motivated to continue.

  • Shift your mindset: Using the word "yet" helps change your perspective from a definitive failure to an ongoing project with a clear next step.

  • Identify what's holding you back: This new perspective allows you to think critically about what has been preventing you from achieving your goal and what you need to do differently.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode
  1. "Yet" changes everything: Adding the word "yet" to a sentence can completely reframe how you look at a situation, shifting your focus from failure to possibility.

  2. Not every good idea needs to be acted on: It's okay to let go of projects you didn't start. Adding "yet" can help you decide if it’s still a priority for the future or something you can let go of guilt-free.

  3. Celebrate the journey: By saying "I haven't reached my goal yet," you acknowledge all the work and progress you've made, which is crucial for motivation.

  4. Open a new conversation: The word "yet" can help you identify what's holding you back and what support or resources you need to get to the finish line.

  5. Take back control: Reframing your goals with "yet" puts you back in the driver's seat, empowering you to decide what comes next.

About The Host and Podcast

Welcome to The Better Workday Podcast with your host, Niamh Moynihan. Niamh is the founder of Better Workday. She will challenge you to think differently about how you manage your time, energy, attention and relationships at work to be successful while supporting your well-being.

In each episode Niamh shares new insights and practical ideas to help you create a better workday.

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